First Security Bank is helping support students at Mapleton Elementary with a generous grant to the school's Snack Program. The donation will help ensure students have access to nutritious snacks during the school day.
    The Mapleton Elementary Snack Program provides an important resource for students who may need an extra boost of nourishment while they learn and grow. First Security Bank's contribution demonstrates its commitment to supporting local families, students, and the Mapleton community.
    If you would like to help support the Mapleton Elementary Snack Program, donations can be made at either the Mapleton or Danbury branch of First Security Bank. Every contribution, big or small, can help provide snacks for students and make a positive difference in their school day.
    Mapleton Elementary and its students sincerely appreciate First Security Bank and everyone in the community who helps support this important effort.
    Photo by Audrey Gust. Thank you, Audrey!

    The streets are quiet again as students are no longer walking or biking to friends homes or other parts of town. Instead, the sound of kids is more centrally located at the schools in the district. The first day of the 2026-27 school year began on Monday.
    Each school began with their own welcome. At Danbury Catholic School, the day began with a walk amongst the Knights of Columbus followed a short assembly and the day's raising of the U.S. and D.C. flags. They then took their annual all-school photo at the DC welcome sign.
    To the left, Some of the students watch while Lauren Dirksen and Samantha Scofield raise the flags.
    Photos from all the elementary classes will be printed in a few weeks. Preschool does not start until after Labor Day.

    Danbury Catholic School will hold their annual auction on Sunday. The event begins with a 10:00 Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church; the Saturday Mass will also be held this weekend. A meal will begin at 11:00 at the school and run until all is gone. The auction featuring a large variety of items will start at noon; over 200 donated items will be sold to the highest bidder. If you are looking for a deal, come for the meal, look at the items on the sale, pick up some baked goods at the bake sale, and watch others generously open their wallets. The proceeds will help Danbury Catholic School with their costs throughout the year.
    Please consider attending for a meal and staying for the auction. Auction items as of Friday, August 21st can be found on page 5.

    Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig spoke to members of the Monona County Farm Bureau during their annual meeting on Monday, August 24th at the Mapleton Community Center. The visit held special significance because Iowa's first Secretary of Agriculture, Raymond W. Cassady, was from Whiting, a connection Naig highlighted while reflecting on Monona County's place in Iowa agricultural history.
    Naig discussed challenges facing the farm economy including high production costs, lower commodity prices and tight margins while emphasizing the need for greater certainty and new opportunities for farmers. He highlighted priorities including a modern five-year Farm Bill, stronger agricultural trade, permanent nationwide year-round E15 and growing new markets through Choose Iowa. Naig also discussed Iowa's conservation and water quality efforts.
    As the nation celebrates America250, Naig reflected on the essential role farmers have played throughout 250 years of American history, emphasizing that food security is national security and agriculture remains fundamental to America's strength. He also praised Monona County Farm Bureau for its grassroots leadership and community support.
    Naig concluded by thanking Monona County farmers for their stewardship, community involvement and contributions to Iowa agriculture while wishing them a safe harvest.
    Photo by Luke Nieuwendorp. Thank you, Luke!