The RAGBRAI-Latimer Committee held a meeting Wednesday, June 25, at the Latimer Community Center to update locals on their plans for their big day, July 23, when more than 10,000 bikers are expected to pass through the town of 477 residents.

Viola Zaabel was named the recipient of the June 2025 Image of Pride Award during last week’s city council meeting.
Zaabel was selected for the honor by City Councilor Jerre Grefe. Her home is located at 826 1st St NW.

Hampton City Council appointed three new members to the Hampton Public Library’s Board of Trustees during their June 26 meeting. 
The following people were appointed: Joslyn Stock, Becky Palmer and Dick Paulsen, who was reappointed for another term.

The Friends of Popejoy Park have been busy bees these last few years, transforming the county park from a field of rotten trees and weeds to a nice recreational area for everyone in the community.

The family and friends of Lily Montalvo honored her life and beautiful spirit at Mercy One in Des Moines Friday morning, June 
Lily was wheeled down the hallway of the first floor of the medical center shortly after 7:30 a.m., with dozens of family, friends and hospital workers lined along the walls in support. Her beloved dog, Junior, was also in attendance.
Lily's organs were donated.

One of the four defendants in the recent grave marker thefts was sentenced Monday by Judge Chris Foy, who handed down two ten-year sentences to be served consecutively.
Brandon Smith will serve up to ten years for the first offense of theft and up to another ten years for the additional offense of criminal mischief.

The Geneva Methodist Church is celebrating 150 years since first opening their doors.

On Saturday, June 21, community members stopped by to celebrate the church’s milestone, with a free lunch, games in the basement, a special music program (provided by the Aalderks family) and a celebration worship service later in the day.

Event organizers began planning last summer.

Hampton City Council interviewed three applicants for the three openings on the library board Monday evening, June 23. 
The applicants were Joslyn Stock, Becky Palmer and Dick Paulsen. 
City Councilor Jerre Grefe asked “what do you think the number one role is of the library in the community?”
Dick Paulsen said he believes the library’s top priority is to educate people. 

I should not have packed socks. As I sit here, 7,500 miles away in Gurugram, India, my home of one whole week’s time, that is my only regret. I packed fifteen pairs of socks, mostly fun ones so I could switch it up every week, yet, in my time since arriving in India, I have worn none. My shoes sit lying abandoned, while my sandals have picked up all the miles.

Arraignment is set for next Thursday for a Hampton man who is now facing even more charges following his alleged role in a stabbing.
 

Hampton residents Kay and Gary Sheppard have some new patriotic artwork in their yard.
 
Wednesday morning, June 11, their niece, Shelly Juhl of Latimer, stopped by to repaint the rock in front of their house. She has painted the rock numerous times over the last ten years — always with a patriotic theme.
 

Recent H-D-CAL graduate Ellianna Ragsdale has some big news: she's one of Mason City's newest firefighters. 

Josh Lange of First Bank Hampton successfully completed the Iowa Bankers Association/Iowa State University Agriculture Credit School, June 2-6, 2025 in Ankeny, Iowa.

Tom and Lynne Porter are sad to share the closing of First Christian Church. Many in the community know of this by now, but the decision to close down this coming August wasn’t an easy one for those who lead the church. The decision was made by Tom and Lynne Porter, along with Patti Rieken and Jan Hershey.

Hampton City Council appointed Kristin Roode to fill the upcoming Ward 1 vacancy during their Thursday night meeting.
Roode currently works as a dispatcher for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, where she's been for the last seven years.
Roode will officially begin on July 1.