Often the people who understand the importance of youth music programs the most are former music students and musicians. Since 2015, many of these musicians have stepped up to support school music programs across the Midwest. more

The Durant School Board kicked off its first meeting of the new year by looking ahead to its next group of students and what can be done to help them succeed and eventually graduate. more

Starting this month, the American Legion Post 430 of Durant will be accepting applications from local boys for the annual Boys State program, set to be held June 21 – 28, 2026 at Camp Dodge near Johnston. more

It is with great sadness that after 47 years of service to the Wilton and surrounding communities, Zion Lutheran Preschool will close their doors on May 31, 2026. more

Durant City Council member Kevin Mundt has been appointed mayor pro tem for the council. more

The Muscatine Democrats will caucus Monday, Feb. 2. You must be in-line or signed-in by 7 p.m. to participate. more

The Great Rivers Conservation Alliance of Southeast Iowa is hosting a Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop on Wednesday, February 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Johnson County Conservation Education Center at Kent Park in Oxford. more

A combined preliminary and final plat of a subdivision that would make way for the construction of a rural residence has been approved by the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors. more

Iowa lawmakers and community college leaders have found themselves on the same page about the potential benefits of offering baccalaureate degrees based on local needs, with legislation to make that potential a reality already filed. more

Last Sunday, Jan. 10, members of the Zion Lutheran Youth Group made blessing bags for the Durant-Wilton Food Pantry. more

Dennis Antonio Perdomo Cruz es nacido y criado en Honduras. Toda su infancia crecio viendo a su papá trabajar con sus manos, creando joyas artesanales como cadenas, anillos, y pulseras de oro y plata. Recuerda claramente los dedos de su papa, llenos de callos, marcados por años de esfuerzo, paciencia, y dedicación al oficio. Cada pieza que hacía no solo era una joya, sino el reflejo de una herencia familiar. Todo comenzó con el bisabuelo de Dennis. El era joyero. Empezó el negocio de oro y luego su hijo, el abuelo de Dennis, aprendió el oficio. Su abuelito le enseñó el trabajo a sus tíos y a su papá. Ahora, Dennis- un estudiante de tercer año de secundaria, está siguiendo los pasos de sus ancestros y está aprendiendo a elaborar joyería. El negocio de Dennis se llama DGS Vault. Comenzó este negocio porque su padre lo impulsó a atreverse a dar el primer paso. Esto siempre ha sido un oficio familiar, y siente el llamado de trabajar como joyero. Crecio viendo de cerca el trabajo con el oro y la plata, entendiendo su valor, no solo economico, sino tambien familiar y cultural. more

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the West Liberty community gathered at First Church United to wish Food Pantry Director Pam Schnittjer a happy retirement, thanking her for all her hard work throughout her time in the role. more

Chris Jones, an author, researcher and Iowa water quality advocate, launched his campaign for Iowa secretary of agriculture Thursday outside of Des Moines Water Works. more

Wilton Police Department 1/8/26 –1/14/26 more

Durant Police Department 1/4/26 – 1/15/26 more

Iowa Farm Bureau is scheduled to host meetings across Iowa to help farmers navigate challenges like tighter margins, high interest rates and market uncertainty as they financially prepare for 2026. more

Replacing worn-out clothes is sometimes an unexpected expense that residents and especially young families have to face, and there are times when new clothes just aren’t an affordable option. For these residents in need, a community closet can provide that much needed support. more

On Friday, Jan. 9, during that evening’s home basketball games, the Durant Post-Prom Committee held its annual cake and sweets auction. Thanks to the contributions of local bakers, the auction saw plenty of cakes, cookies, brownies, and other delicious desserts. more

With plenty of cold and windy days left in winter, the Bennett Community School District will now be offering a space for residents to get away from the cold as they get their daily steps in. more

On Jan. 11, 2026, the West Liberty Police Department (WLPD) requested assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) following an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 500 block of N. Elm Street earlier that morning. more