Gregory R. Norfleet

As we begin 2025, here is a numerical look at the news from the West Branch area from the past 12 months, from school records to government spending to business investments.

To temporarily shield the downtown from unwanted changes, the West Branch City Council approved a “Prosperity Pathway” while it plans for the long term.

To mark the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Herbert Hoover Library and Museum lowered its flags to half-mast on Dec. 29.

Told that volunteers would handle most of the work and the endeavor may turn a profit, the West Branch City Council voted unanimously Nov. 4 to oversee Hooverball, the signature sporting event of Hoover’s Hometown Days.

When looking at comparative data, spring-to-fall reading and math scores went up at Hoover Elementary and West Branch Middle School.

Residents in the West Branch area lost power twice over the holidays.

Though fire destroyed a Rochester garage, two vehicles, and virtually all of the remaining contents, four area fire departments kept the flames from destroying a nearby home on Jan. 9.

The West Branch Board of Education reviewed a second kind of state test scores in November, with this set also showing mixed results in reading and math.

After more than four years of fundraising by the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will close on Monday for a $20.3 million renovation project.

With an eye on a flood-mitigation project, the West Branch City Council agreed to keep a streamgage in place even with it costing more every year.