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AI seems to dismiss creativity for creative’s sake

It seems like everywhere you turn companies are trying to push the use of AI as the backbone in various creative projects. This company’s using AI for their latest commercial, another … more

2/11/25

Council member McFerren offers personal statement on immigration

Editor’s note: At the Jan. 21 West Liberty City Council meeting, council member and Mayor Pro Tem Cara McFerren said she had heard concerns about President Donald Trump’s new … more

2/11/25

State Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen poses with North Scott FFA members. Contributed photo

Regulations sought to combat online concert ticket markups

Last week, I chaired the subcommittee on Senate File 49, which relates to bots and the purchase of event tickets on the internet. These bots ruin the chances of people obtaining tickets by flooding … more

State Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, R-Walcott | 1/29/25

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann speaks at a forum in West Liberty.

Property tax funding sought for county-run ambulances

In this year’s tax bill I do intend to pursue the option for counties (including Scott County) that have already declared Emergency Medical Service as an essential service, as well as any new … more

By Rep. Bobby kaufmann, R-Wilton | 1/29/25

Familiar journalist reaches out for community connections

Greetings to any and all readers of the Wilton-Durant Advocate and the West Liberty Index! I’d like to take a moment to officially introduce myself. My name is Andrea Grubaugh, and … more

1/8/25

West Liberty festivals nurture sense of community

I’m writing this column on the Wednesday night after the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Children’s Festival that occurred in our community on September 14, 2024. I consider … more

West Liberty Mayor Mark Smith | 9/25/24

Citlaly Fernandez, a passionate bilingual educator

West Liberty School District commemorated the 25th anniversary of its Dual Language program this year. Recently, I sat down with Citlaly Fernandez, a Dual Language teacher at the middle school. She … more

Vanessa "Cueponi Cihuatl" Espinoza | 6/4/24

Latino Culture (5/30/24)

Preserving community voices through oral history Written by Cueponi Cihuatl Espinoza We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for community members across the State of Iowa to share … more

Cueponi Cihuatl Espinoza | 5/28/24

West Liberty High School junior Eric Yao is the subject of “The Power of the Hand,” which covers his journey of building prosthetic limbs out of LEGO. "This documentary represents a lifelong endeavor, filled with immense personal significance," Yao shares

Eric Yao's Inspirational Documentary

Throughout our lives, we have all met someone who has a testimony of triumph over adversity. One story that has resonated deeply for our community has been the one of West Liberty High School junior … more

Written by Vanessa "Cueponi Cihuatl" Espinoza | 5/7/24

I present to you Carmen Mailujié Rodríguez Zárate, or as everyone affectionately knows her, Mai or Miss Mai. She is our Spanish Language and Culture assistant

Latino Culture (4/18/24)

Miss Mai- a passionate educator West Liberty has been so fortunate to have people from all corners of the world. In particular, our elementary school has had teachers from other countries such … more

Vanessa "Cueponi Cihuatl" Espinoza | 4/16/24

Table of Good (4/11/24)

Christians all over the world just celebrated the most important event in human history – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is called Easter. Fleming Rutledge writes, “if Jesus … more

Pastor Mario R. Padilla | 4/9/24

Mayor’s Memo (4/11/24)

I’m writing this on the evening of April 7, 2024. This date marks the beginning of National Library Week. I have a story that is probably like lots of people’s experience. Saturdays … more

Mayor Mark Smith | 4/9/24

Latino Culture (4/4/24)

West Liberty, Iowa has a new dance group that is taking shape and resonating with the power and rhythm of the drum. Its indigenous Mexican roots are reflected in the sound of the gourd that simulates … more

Vanessa “Cueponi Cihuatl” Espinoza | 4/2/24

Your Capitol Voice (4/4/24)

Last week we passed a very robust education package dealing with school funding, raising teacher salaries, and the AEA’s. I was very clear about my position on the AEA bill when I wrote … more

Representative Bobby Kaufmann | 4/2/24

Your Capitol Voice (3/28/24)

This week we took action on two major pieces of legislation – combating illegal immigration and fighting against eminent domain abuse. Eminent Domain – As a reminder I have … more

Representative Bobby Kaufmann | 3/27/24

Your Capitol Voice (3/14/24)

This week we passed a substantial bill refocusing and reforming our Regent Universities. Finding skilled labor is one of the most frequent problems I hear about back home and so refocusing our higher … more

Representative Bobby Kaufmann | 3/13/24

Mayor's Memo (3/7/24)

I’m writing this column on a full stomach as I just returned from the Fish Fry (shrimp tonight) at St. Joseph’s Church. Once again, it was excellent food, a fantastic display of … more

3/6/24

My paternal grandparents, Ma. Reyes Hernandez and Jose Espinoza on their wedding day

Latino Culture (3/7/24)

Bert Hellinger once said, “We arrived through our parents… We already existed, otherwise we could not become. And when we die, we don’t disappear either. We are just not visible to … more

Vanessa “Cueponi Cihuatl” Espinoza | 3/6/24

A colorful Carnaval float, observing a joyous celebration

Latino Culture (2/22/24)

Carnaval, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is a joyous celebration observed in various parts of the world, symbolizing a final indulgence before the solemn period of Lent. Among the most … more

Vanessa “Cueponi Cihuatl” Espinoza | 2/21/24

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