Every once in a while, I come across a book that I immediately want to put into someone else’s hands.

When I saw that the Reinbeck Public Library recently added a large-print edition of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi to its collection, I knew it was one worth highlighting.

GRUNDY CENTER – As summer weather continues in Grundy County, local public health officials are reminding Iowans to take precautions against mosquitoes and the potential spread of West Nile virus.

Mosquito testing in Iowa has detected West Nile virus this season, indicating there is a risk of infection. Humans primarily contract West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito.

DIKE — New faces and optimism about enrollment are setting the stage for a new school year in the Dike-New Hartford Community School District.

Superintendent Justin Stockdale said one of the biggest changes entering the 2026-27 school year is the amount of transition taking place within the district, particularly at the New Hartford campus.

GRUNDY CENTER — The Grundy County Board of Supervisors heard a request for support from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, awarded contracts for five bridge repair projects and handled several other county matters during its Monday, Aug. 17 meeting.

The board's agenda included a presentation from Northeast Iowa Food Bank Executive Director Barb Prather and Operation Threshold Executive Director Barb Grant.

GRUNDY CENTER — It’s been nearly a decade since Grundy County Memorial Hospital first started encouraging residents to take a simple step toward better health — literally.

CONRAD — With available storefronts, office space and land for larger development, Conrad leaders are looking to the future and inviting entrepreneurs and established businesses to consider making the community their home.

Despite the BCLUW Comets returning plenty of production, the team’s success this year will depend on how quickly a bunch of new faces develop in the trenches.

The Comets went 3-5 last year, their best record since the 2022 season.

The Grundy Center Spartans football team will enter the 2026 season with some adversity, having ended the 2025 season in an unfamiliar spot, with a loss. The Spartans fell, for the first time in 50 games, in the 1A State Semifinal game 31-12 to Regina Catholic, but the 2026 team is focused on moving forward.

DIKE – It’s been a hot summer and many residents in Dike have missed access to the local pool. Due to infrastructure and safety concerns, the pool is closed indefinitely and has not been open since summer of 2023. A group of enthusiastic residents have started a grassroots effort to rectify the situation and bring a new pool to Dike. 

GRUNDY CENTER — The Family YMCA of Grundy County is inviting area residents to an evening of activities as it hosts a block party Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Black Hawk County YMCA, 669 S. Hackett Road in Waterloo. 

CONRAD — Beacon Christian Church of Conrad is turning a simple cookout into a community-wide effort to surround the Tack family with support during a difficult time.

The church will host a free-will donation meal Sunday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m., with all money raised going directly to the Tack family.

DIKE — Former Iowa Hawkeye football player Robert L. Smith Jr. brought the story of his journey from a childhood in Dallas to college football, education and public service to Dike this week.

GRUNDY COUNTY — Grundy County Conservation recently gave area residents an opportunity to learn about safe and responsible hunting through a hunter safety class held Thursday, July 30.

The class ran from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and included a trip to the Izaak Walton facility in Reinbeck for a live-firing session.

REINBECK — Construction crews are entering the final stretch of a major renovation project at Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary School, with district officials reporting that work remains on schedule as the start of the 2026-27 school year approaches.

DIKE — Two young members of the Dike community had a special place in this year's Watermelon Days festivities after being selected as the 2026 Little Miss and Mister.

Peoples Savings Bank announced that Daphne* was named Little Miss and Easton* was selected as Little Mister following this year's contest.