Last week, the West Liberty Academics Delegation, consisting of five students and their teacher chaperone, Erica Jennings, embarked on a week-long trip to China. This trip is in part funded and organized by the Stanley Center for Peace and Security in Muscatine, and is the second China trip that West Liberty students have participated in. more

Though it has been five years since the passing of Myles “Javo” Hermiston, his aunt, Colleen Hermiston, says she still misses him every day. To honor his memory and to raise funds and awareness for local veterans, Colleen will be doing a Grand Canyon “Rim 2 Rim” challenge this fall. more

Starting next year, the Wilton Community School District will be integrating iPads into its classrooms, focusing on providing them to elementary classroom – as well as the high school weight room - this year before then focusing on high school classrooms next year. more

As part of Wilton Public Library's summer reading program, the National Mississippi River Museum brought its mobile touch tank full of yellow stingrays. more

On Friday, July 13, the Durant 4H Clover Cats took a trip to the Pet Supply Store, where they shopped for collars, leashes, and dog treats. These items were then delivered to the Durant Police Department as a free donation, meant to help with incidents involving stray dogs. These items were purchased using a community service grant the club received earlier in the year. more

The closing date for Request for Proposals for the purchase and residential land development of a 10.17-acre property owned by the City of Durant will be extended 60 to 90 days. more

As often as the scenario may appear in movies and TV shows, firefighters don’t normally spend their days rescuing stuck cats from trees. Last week, for the West Liberty Fire Department, the typically fictional situation became a reality. more

Originally known as Paleteria, or Mexican-style ice cream shop, the Crazy Goat Ice Cream Factory officially opened its doors at its new location, 123 East 3rd Street in West Liberty, this past weekend. more

Last Friday, CBI Bank & Trust donated $25,000 to the Event Center at the Muscatine County Fair, securing naming rights for the building’s entrance. more

Who would have ever imagined Bennett Elementary School would be the centerpiece for a feature film? more

Brian Lee Holst, age 60, of Blue Grass, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.  A visitation will be held from 10–12 noon, Sunday, June 22, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.  A Celebration of Life will be held from 1–4 p.m., Sunday, June 22, at the Durant Community Center.  In lieu of flowers, please donate toward the Brian Holst Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be used for 4-H, FFA, and school restoration projects through Classic Green.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. more

Donald L. Drake, age 83, of Wilton, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  A funeral service was held at 12 noon, Tuesday, June 17, at Parkview Church - Central Campus, Iowa City.  A visitation was held from 10-11:45 a.m., prior to the service at the church.  A graveside service was held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton.  Memorials may be made to Parkview Church, Wilton First Responders, or the Wilton Athletic Boosters.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. more

Carl Frederick Geertz died peacefully at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty on June 11, 2025, at the age of 103. He was surrounded by his loving family. more

In the weeks since the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the principals at Durant Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School, Rebecca Stineman and Joel Diederichs, have compiled a list of the year’s biggest student accomplishments. This list was then shared with the Durant school board during its June 9 meeting. more

This year, there won’t be a senior night for Durant softball. more

The West Liberty softball team is hitting its stride in mid-June, powering through a four-game homestand with a clean sweep that showcased their consistency and increased confidence. more

For Durant head coach Colin Meyer, this was the way to celebrate. more

The Wilton baseball team improved to 10-7 with four wins last week in five games. Wilton swept a three-game series against Tipton and also picked up a non-conference win against Alburnett to end the week.  more

The Beavers opened a busy week with a split of two games with the Central DeWitt Sabers. In game one, the Beavers beat Central DeWitt 11-9 and fell in game two in a close loss 10-9.  more

Our parents and grandparents sacrificed much during the Depression. Some gave their all during World War II.  Our parents scrimped and saved to try to give their children and grandchildren a better life. more