Hampton Chronicle

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‘Little Mermaid’ Student Production Sure to Make a Splash By Jennifer BurnhamHampton Chronicle Preparation for the upcom...
04/02/2025

‘Little Mermaid’ Student Production Sure to Make a Splash

By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle

Preparation for the upcoming H-D-CAL production of “Little Mermaid” has gone swimmingly, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Church of the Living Word.

The plays will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The young actors and production crew have practiced two days a week for the last couple months, with hopes of making this their best play yet.

H-D-CAL senior Elian Trevino, who will play the Prince, said preparing for the production has been bittersweet, as this will be his last play before graduating next month.

“I’m really excited for it to all come together and put on a good performance for the community,” Trevino said.

The other seniors who will perform one last time are Jaliyah Ivey, Chloe Craighton, Shakira Vela Maza, Jerry Flores, Isaac Sauke, Meg Dunnwald and A-eshah Khunchan.

Drama Director Kolette Janssen said she picked this variation of the play, written by Wade Bradford, because it came with a special twist at the end, which they liked, and she felt it had enough roles for all of the students.

“This isn’t your typical Walt Disney Little Mermaid. It’s cute,” Janssen said. “I was looking for a play that involved a lot of kids, so we could have a large cast, because we have so many kids that are interested in drama.”

Janssen said that everyone who auditioned for the play in involved in some way, whether it’s on stage or painting backdrops.

The following students are set to appear in the play: Meg Dunnwald as Kira (The Little Mermaid), Elian Trevino as the Prince, Jaliyah Ivey as Lottie/Sea Witch, Natalie Birdsell as Kid, Reed Masters as Latchkey, Jackson Opperman as MerKing, Shakira Vela Maza as Keiko, Spencer McClintock as Duke Dorsal Von Fishhead, Chloe Craighton as Jellyfish #1, Keaton Gunderson as Jellyfish #2, Chloe Craighton as Fitzwilliam, Jerry Flores as Captain, A-eshah Khunchan as Mersister #1, Emma Dietz as Mersister #2, America Dominguez as Queen Gertrude, Isaac Sauke as Baron Von Fishhead, Noe Flores as Flip the Fish, Yareli Castro as Flop the Fish, Gabe Arndorfer as Sailor, Emma Dietz as Navigator, Emma Dietz as Meteorologist, Tammy Schirmer as Stylist, Tammy Schirmer as Stylist, Emma Dietz as Cook, Emma Dietz as Manicurist, Shyanne Fuller as Dress Maker, Ruby Zamorano as Hat Maker, Monse Zamorano as Yoga Instructor and Gabe Arndorfer as Minister.

Tickets for the play are still available, and can be purchased on Bound or at the door — eight dollars for adults and five dollars for seniors and students. Activity passes are still available.

To promote the play, the drama club held a special raffle fundraiser. The lucky winner was given special assigned seating for the Friday showing, a reserved parking spot for the show, two tickets to the upcoming PTO Father Daughter and Mother Son dance, flowers from Everbloom Flower Co., a meal from B&C Kitchen, one manicure from the Manicure Bar and one updo courtesy of Brittany Hanson at Styles on Third.

Photos of the students practicing last night, at Church of the Living Word.

On Monday night, the Cub Scouts of Hampton learned about Scout Oath and Scout Law. These four are eager to learn more ab...
04/02/2025

On Monday night, the Cub Scouts of Hampton learned about Scout Oath and Scout Law. These four are eager to learn more about scouting in the coming months and they’re most excited about getting outdoors this summer.

The last Cub Scout pack in Hampton dissolved during the height of the pandemic, and this group was started several months ago. It’s open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

If interested in joining, contact Zachary Brunkhorst at 641-430-4210 or [email protected].

Franklin REC Holds Annual Business Meeting, Re-Elects Board MembersPress ReleaseFranklin REC Hampton, IA – Franklin Rura...
04/02/2025

Franklin REC Holds Annual Business Meeting, Re-Elects Board Members

Press Release
Franklin REC

Hampton, IA – Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) held its annual business meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Franklin REC headquarters. A total of 246 ballot responses were received for this year’s annual meeting director vote.

During the meeting, incumbents David Keninger and John Snyder were re-elected to represent District 1, each securing another three-year term. In District 2, Gordon Greimann was re-elected and will continue to serve for another three-year term.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review updates on the cooperative’s operations, financial health, and future initiatives. Franklin REC remains committed to serving its members and strengthening the communities it supports.

For more information about Franklin REC and its initiatives, visit www.franklinrec.coop or contact the office at 641-456-2557.

$10,000 in College Savings Deposits AvailableTen Parents to Win $1,000 Each in College Savings Deposits in Special Drawi...
04/02/2025

$10,000 in College Savings Deposits Available

Ten Parents to Win $1,000 Each in College Savings Deposits in Special Drawing

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (APRIL 1, 2025) — Registration is open for a special drawing of a $1,000 college savings deposit that 10 Iowa parents and guardians of students in eighth through 12th grades will be randomly selected to receive after April 30, 2025. The drawing is sponsored by ISL Education Lending.

Current registrants and any parent or guardian registered for the information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, by April 30, 2025, will be entered into the special drawing.

Additionally, registrants who read each month’s articles and answer brief survey questions are entered into quarterly drawings for 529 college savings plan deposits. Each quarter, 40 random winners are chosen for the $250 deposits. The next quarterly drawing takes place April 1, 2025. Quarterly winners in that drawing are not excluded from the special drawing after April 30, 2025.

The free information service is delivered via twice-monthly emails to parents and guardians who sign up at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/SP3 and is provided in partnership with ICAN, ISave 529, the Iowa School Counselor Association and Strada Education Network.

"[SP3] has been a very useful tool as my [two] children navigated through high school," said 2024 quarterly winner Stephanie Wallsteadt of Waterloo, Iowa. "Throughout my kids’ high school years, I received a couple of emails every month containing easy-to-read articles with information on where my kids should be … in their college preparation process, things for me to talk to them about, and a ton of helpful tips … for their resumes and scholarship essays." She added that SP3 continues to be helpful with her second child by "keeping us on track in the process and reminding me about all those helpful tips. At the end of the article, you can even fill out a short survey, which enters you into a drawing to win funds for college. SP3 is a win-win!"

Articles are carefully researched and informed by 40 years of experience in the higher education industry. Additionally, parents and guardians are provided with multiple resources to further explore topics of particular interest.

The information is targeted to specific grade levels to correspond with students’ current stages. The consistent format explains why the topic is important, what students can do now, additional steps they should take later and what parents can do. In addition, talking points are provided as a guideline for approaching the topic with students.

More information and simple signup is available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/SP3.

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Ernst Votes to Confirm Iowan Matt Whitaker as U.S. Ambassador to NATOWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa...
04/02/2025

Ernst Votes to Confirm Iowan Matt Whitaker as U.S. Ambassador to NATO

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) spoke on the Senate floor ahead of a vote to confirm her friend and fellow Iowan Matt Whitaker to be the next United States Ambassador to NATO, emphasizing that he will be a champion of our national security.

Ernst celebrated Whitaker’s nomination and recently introduced him in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing.

Ernst’s full remarks below:

“Matt and I first crossed paths during the 2014 U.S. Senate primary in Iowa. What began as opponents in a race, turned into mutual respect, and ultimately, a strong friendship. Since 2014, Matt has supported me in countless ways, offering wise counsel and keen insight on the issues facing our state, nation, and our world today. "

“While some may just brush it off as ‘Iowa nice,’ I believe this is a clear demonstration of Matt’s character. He’s willing to put differences aside, strengthen relationships, and put our country over politics."

“Over the last few years, during exchanges with NATO allies, a consistent theme emerged… the need for American leadership… a willingness to speak hard truths and encourage our partners to step up."

“Matt’s experience has prepared him for this aspect of the job. With decades of law enforcement experience and having served as Acting Attorney General, Matt has successfully collaborated across many organizations and jurisdictions."

“He understands the evolving threats our nation and our allies face—from terrorism to cyber warfare to transnational crime. His experience navigating complex security challenges will make him an asset to NATO and a force for strengthening our alliances."

“Matt Whitaker is a principled leader with a proven track record. Under President Trump’s peace-through-strength approach, I have no doubt that Matt will be an effective advocate for America’s interests and a champion of our national security."

“I urge my colleagues to support his nomination. He is the right leader at the right time for this critical role.”

Photo Credit: Office of Senator Joni Ernst.

H-D-CAL's Track and Field teams are hosting their annual pancake dinner as we speak! The boys are serving pancakes the f...
04/01/2025

H-D-CAL's Track and Field teams are hosting their annual pancake dinner as we speak! The boys are serving pancakes the first hour, and the girls will take over at 6 p.m.

The tradition was started by Coach Nikki Donnenwerth ten years ago as a way for the community to meet the kids.

"We really like this fundraiser because it gives us a chance to interact with those who support us at our meets," she said.

The fundraiser is taking place at the high school until 7 p.m. Eight bucks per ticket. Proceeds will go towards upcoming expenses for the track teams.

Don't miss it!

Wellness Center Teams up with VA to Secure New Flags By Jennifer Burnham Hampton Chronicle The Franklin Wellness Center ...
04/01/2025

Wellness Center Teams up with VA to Secure New Flags

By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle

The Franklin Wellness Center recently teamed up with the Franklin County VA to secure seven flags for the Wellness Center.

There is a flag for each branch of the U.S. military, along with a U.S. flag. The project was made possible with funding from late Vietnam veteran Clinton Poley who left a donation to the county, which was then given to the Franklin County Veteran’s Affairs Office.

"This is a way to to honor the Franklin County veterans who use the Wellness Center," said Todd Miller, who serves on the board for the Wellness Center.

Pictured: From left to right, Tom Teggatz, Todd Miller, Adam Akers, Eldean Madetzke and Mike Stock with the flags on Tuesday, April 1.

New Car Detailing Business Opens Doors in Hampton By Jennifer BurnhamHampton Chronicle There’s a new car detailing compa...
04/01/2025

New Car Detailing Business Opens Doors in Hampton

By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle

There’s a new car detailing company in town, and it goes by the name of “Wise Choice Detailing.”

The man behind the operations: Ron Wise.

Sheffield resident Wise originally opened his auto detailing company in 2021 in Mason City but he knew it was time to look elsewhere when the market became overly saturated with other detailers. So he closed down shop and took a break, before finding his latest place in Hampton. His new location is headquartered at 1014 4th St NE in Hampton.

Wise has worked in auto restoration and painting for more than twenty years.

“I’ve always worked to make things pretty,” he said. “When detailing became popular in 2020, I did it to make extra money and I thought it was som**hing I could seriously get into.”

Wise said that he found the Hampton location on a whim, and that it was everything he was looking for.

“My intent is to be a part of the community,” Wise said. “I want to be helpful. I do coaching and scouts. I wanted my business to stay local.”

While Wise Choice Detailing isn’t full-time as of yet, Wise said that is the goal.

“I’m chasing my dream,” he said. “I want to be my own boss and do this for a living.”

Wise said the entire family is involved with the business, including his wife, who helps with book-keeping, and his children, who help with detailing.

“My younger two are looking forward to working weekends with me,” he said.

To schedule an appointment with Wise, call him at 641-531-9211. They offer everything from hand washes to ceramic coating and color correction. Hand washes start at 35 bucks. Wise has planned a grand opening celebration for May 3 as a way for the community to check out his new place and services.

The Family Dollar-Dollar Tree is closed until further notice, as their registers are down and they're waiting on a tech ...
03/30/2025

The Family Dollar-Dollar Tree is closed until further notice, as their registers are down and they're waiting on a tech to bring a new motherboard.

The 14th annual Bridge of Hope Trivia Night is underway at Church of the Living Word! Proceeds from the event will go to...
03/30/2025

The 14th annual Bridge of Hope Trivia Night is underway at Church of the Living Word! Proceeds from the event will go towards helping homeless single parents in Franklin County.

Cribbage players from near and far are getting ready to play at the New Hope United Methodist Church of Aredale! The reg...
03/29/2025

Cribbage players from near and far are getting ready to play at the New Hope United Methodist Church of Aredale!

The registration fees and free-will donations from the food will go to Franklin County's Relay for Life group. The chapter's event chair, Lisa Rodriguez, said they received donated prizes from residents in Hampton, Dumont and Bristow, and members of the church donated baked goods, beef burger, dips and appetizers.

"I'm grateful to all the communities who've helped with this," said Rodriguez. "I appreciate everyone, from the sponsors to the players."

Thirty people are signed up to play today. They'll get started at 1 p.m.

Good luck to all!

Hampton Resident Turns to God in Midst of Addiction By Jennifer BurnhamHampton Chronicle Hampton native Kimberly Jobe's ...
03/28/2025

Hampton Resident Turns to God in Midst of Addiction

By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle

Hampton native Kimberly Jobe's story is one of addiction and then finding God.

Kim was only 14 years old when her mother passed away, and her father was never in the picture, she said. So she quickly turned to drugs — specifically m**h — to numb the pain. This would turn into years of struggling with drugs.

Kim, a mother of three, said after years of battling her addiction, she finally got on her knees and prayed for help from God. That was one year and four months ago. And she has been unstoppable (and sober) ever since. She’s currently looking for an apartment and working towards regaining custody of one of her children.

Kim can often be found at the McDonalds in Hampton, where she works full-time as a manager. She takes pride in her work and said she knows the food order of half the people in Hampton. For her, it’s all about the customers.

“I feel like people judge addicts too harshly,” she said. “If you get to know some of them, you will realize there is trauma behind their addiction. To anyone who is still struggling, just know that God is real and that if I can change, you guys can change, too.”

Read more in next issue.

Today is "Drive Your Tractor To School Day" for H-D-CAL! We just stopped by to check 'em out.
03/28/2025

Today is "Drive Your Tractor To School Day" for H-D-CAL! We just stopped by to check 'em out.

Hampton area scenes, March 16, 2025.
03/28/2025

Hampton area scenes, March 16, 2025.

Night scenes in Hampton, Iowa, March 2025.
03/28/2025

Night scenes in Hampton, Iowa, March 2025.

Holmstrom Sets Tone for His TenureBill Holmstrom was sworn in tonight, March 27, to fill the vacant Hampton Ward 3 counc...
03/28/2025

Holmstrom Sets Tone for His Tenure

Bill Holmstrom was sworn in tonight, March 27, to fill the vacant Hampton Ward 3 council seat left empty by the departure of Kevin Blanford.

Following is Holmstrom's first report and remarks to the City Council after he was seated.

"First I would like to thank the mayor and council for this honor of representing Ward 3, and most importantly I want to thank my fellow candidates that went through this process with me.

It's no fun to do som**hing like this alone, and it was great to have you alongside, together, as we went through this process.

I should tell you a little secret. I doubt if you realize that I pray for you guys every night, that at, not only at the local level, but (for) the state and federal leaders that we have. I always ask that, and pray that, wisdom will be provided to the leaders, and that all their decisions will be pleasing in God's sight.

And I guess that I'm asking you, and the citizens of Ward 3, to pray for me too, that any decisions that I make are the right decisions, and good for the citizens of Hampton and Ward 3. Thank you."

Photo: Incoming Councilor Bill Holmstrom, left, gets a welcome from Hampton Mayor Steve Birdsall Mar 27, 2025.

03/28/2025

Shot put was a doozy today as H-D-CALs Charlee Morton set a new meet record with a throw of 45-00

Taylor Schwenn placed 2nd with a throw of 40-00 which is a new Clear Lake school record.

Reagan Haynes, of Algona, was 3rd with a throw of 37-02.25

Clear Lake Community School District Hampton Chronicle

03/27/2025

Bill Holmstrom Clinches Ward 3 Council Position

Bill Holmstrom garnered just enough votes to secure an interim appointment as Hampton Ward 3 Councilor at the Thursday March 27 regular meeting of the Hampton City Council.

The motion to appoint was made by Councilor Barry Lamos, and seconded by Councilor Bill Hodge. Affirmative roll call votes were cast by Lamos, Hodge and Davies, with Palmer and Grefe dissenting.

Holmstrom will serve until the canvassing of the November 2025 election.

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Holmstrom Sworn in as Ward 3 Representative
Holmstrom Sworn in as Ward 3 Representative

Bill Holmstrom Clinches Ward 3 Council Position Bill Holmstrom garnered just enough votes to secure an interim appointment as Hampton Ward 3 Councilor at the Thursday March 27 regular meeting of the Hampton City Council. The motion to appoint was made by Councilor Barry Lamos, and seconded by Councilor Bill Hodge. Affirmative roll call votes were cast by Lamos, Hodge and Davies, with Palmer and Grefe dissenting. Holmstrom will serve until the canvassing of the November 2025 election.

Take a walk around Beeds Lake!

Beeds Lake Spillway March 16th, 2025

Last night, around a hundred people showed up to the Wyatt Raska memorial meet at Dudley's. The event was organized by his friends. Check out this video of one of his friends doing a burn out for Wyatt. (Video by Tayleigh Whitney.)

HD-CAL girls beat West Fork 40-34 in overtime. Video by Kevin Labotka.

Geese gathering on Beeds Lake at dusk, October 29th, 2024

Chrome, rubber and steel. Can't you pratically smell the exhaust!?
Chrome, rubber and steel. Can't you pratically smell the exhaust!?

The 2024 Hampton Car Cruise hits the road! How many vehicles can you spot?

How many whacks wiil it take!? Breaking the pinata at the La Luz Centro Cultural 4th annual back to school event, Friday August 16th.

Gunderson Racing flag parade at the Franklin County Fair!

Marcus Kofoot opens the gate for Tracy Byrd at the Franklin County Fair! Show starts at 8pm so still plenty of time to buy tickets, get seated and grab snacks and beverages from the Kiwanis grandstand concession!

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The Hampton Chronicle was established in 1878 and has been serving Franklin County since. The Chronicle is a weekly newspaper that was operated by the Purcell family for decades prior to its purchase in 1970 by Mid-America Publishing Corporation. It remains a MAP publication today.

The paper serves Franklin and Butler Counties, along with the communities of: Hampton, Hansell, Geneva, Dumont, Aredale, Ackley, Iowa Falls, Popejoy, Alden, Bradford, Chapin, Sheffield, Coulter, Alexander, Latimer, Rowan, Meservey, and Dougherty; as well as the Hampton-Dumont, AGWSR, SCMT, CAL Community School Districts.