It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hampton, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care of the Cedar Valley has compassionate staff and flexible scheduling. The office”
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”
“Always Best Care of the Cedar Valley has compassionate staff and flexible scheduling. The office staff answers my questions patiently.”
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Hampton, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hampton, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hampton, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Strong business and leisure traveler demand during the third quarter pushed Apple Hospitality REIT's comparable hotels revenue per available room up 7% year over year, leading company executives to raise their full-year outlook.During the company's third-quarter earnings call, Apple REIT Director and CEO Justin Knight said broad-based demand from those segments drove that RevPAR increase up 1.6 percentage points from the second quarter.Apple REIT shifted its mix toward higher-rated business as retail demand grew and discount bu...
Strong business and leisure traveler demand during the third quarter pushed Apple Hospitality REIT's comparable hotels revenue per available room up 7% year over year, leading company executives to raise their full-year outlook.
During the company's third-quarter earnings call, Apple REIT Director and CEO Justin Knight said broad-based demand from those segments drove that RevPAR increase up 1.6 percentage points from the second quarter.
Apple REIT shifted its mix toward higher-rated business as retail demand grew and discount business declined, and its teams layered in group at attractive rates, he said.
“That shift, together with active asset management and hotel-level adjustments to pricing strategy, enabled our hotels to gain market share, primarily through rate,” he said.
The REIT converted approximately 63 cents of each incremental revenue dollar into comparable hotels-adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which produced approximately 210 basis points of margin expansion, adjusted EBITDA for real estate growth of more than 13% and growth in modified funds from operations per share of more than 16%, he said.
Apple REIT's momentum over the third quarter carried over into October, and preliminary results indicate comparable hotel RevPAR growth of approximately 10%, well beyond the easier year-over-year comparisons of last year’s federal government shutdown, Knight said.
The portfolio’s year-to-date results and October performance has led Apple REIT’s executive team to raise its outlook for the year, he said. It has increased the midpoint of its full-year comparable hotel RevPAR growth outlook 235 basis points to 5.6% at the midpoint. It also raised its comparable hotel adjusted hotel EBITDA margin outlook 105 basis points to 35.25% at the midpoint, an increase of 115 basis points year over year.
Transient demand, particularly midweek business travel, exceeded expectations, Knight said, adding that bookings for the remainder of 2026 support the increased outlook.
“Looking to 2027, business travel, a core segment for our hotels, is leading the improvement in industry demand, and new supply remains limited,” he said.
By the end of the third quarter, half of Apple REIT’s hotel portfolio had no upper-upscale, upscale or upper-midscale hotels under construction within a 5-mile radius, he said.
“We will lap the benefit of World Cup in our host markets, primarily in the second quarter, but we expect it to be a modest headwind, and we anticipate underlying demand and muted near-term supply to support continued growth,” he said.
Since the start of the third quarter, Apple REIT has entered into contracts to sell the 66-key Fairfield Inn by Marriott Santa Clarita Valencia, the 128-room Hampton Inn by Hilton Los Angeles/Santa Clarita, the 90-room Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Clarita Valencia, the 103-room Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Davenport and the 153-room Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento/South Natomas for a combined gross sales price of $72 million. The transactions are expected to close by the end of the year.
When combined with its sale of the Rochester Hampton Inn & Suites it sold in April, Knight said the transactions total approximately $81 million and represent a 6.8% capitalization rate, or 12.2x EBITDA before capital expenditures and a 5.7% cap rate, or 14.6x EBITDA after taking into consideration an estimated $16 million in planned capital improvements.
Since 2025, Apple REIT has sold or contracted to sell 13 hotels for roughly $154 million, recycling out older properties with lower growth prospects, he said.
“Pricing to the hotels we target is moved closer to our underwriting, and we are actively evaluating both newer properties and value-add opportunities that complement our existing hotels and offer stronger long-term growth, similar to our recent acquisitions of the Motto Nashville Downtown and the Homewood Suites Tampa-Brandon,” he said.
With leverage of about 3x EBITDA, $700 million available in its revolving credit facility and the improving cost of capital, Apple REIT’s team sees a meaningful opportunity to grow its platform, Knight said.
The REIT still has its forward purchase contracts for two hotel developments, an AC Hotel in Anchorage to be delivered in late 2027 and a dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn adjacent to its existing SpringHill Suites in Las Vegas to be delivered in the third quarter of 2028, he said. Construction is underway on both projects.
For the first nine months of 2026, Apple REIT’s capital expenditures totaled approximately $58 million, he said. For the full year, it will invest between $85 million and $95 million, including comprehensive renovations at 18 hotels.
For the third quarter, Apple REIT reported total revenue of $398.3 million, up from $373.9 million in the third quarter of 2025, according to its earnings report. It reported net income of $60.5 million, up from nearly $50.9 million a year ago. Comparable hotels adjusted hotel EBITDA was $145.9 million, up 14.7% year over year.
Comparable hotels occupancy was 78.3%, up 2.8% year over year. Average daily rate was $170.53, up 4.3%. As a result, RevPAR grew 7.3% to $133.60.
As of Sept. 30, Apple REIT had approximately $1.5 billion of total outstanding debt with a current combined weighted-average interest rate of approximately 4.9% and weighted-average debt maturities of approximately 4.5 years. It has cash on hand of approximately $43 million and $700 million available in its revolving credit facility.
As of press time, Apple REIT’s stock was trading at $18.72 a share, up 55.2% year to date. The NYSE Composite was up 7.9% for the same period.
A bowl of soup made from scratch tells you a lot about a diner. It means somebody in the kitchen still chops the vegetables, simmers the broth, and writes a new soup of the day on the board.Across Iowa, plenty of small-town spots keep that habit alive, from ham and bean on the western edge of the state to beef and dumplings up north. This list covers seven diners where homemade soup is a real part of the menu, not an afterthought.Most of them pair a cup of soup with a full plate meal, so lunch can turn into a proper sit-down di...
A bowl of soup made from scratch tells you a lot about a diner. It means somebody in the kitchen still chops the vegetables, simmers the broth, and writes a new soup of the day on the board.
Across Iowa, plenty of small-town spots keep that habit alive, from ham and bean on the western edge of the state to beef and dumplings up north. This list covers seven diners where homemade soup is a real part of the menu, not an afterthought.
Most of them pair a cup of soup with a full plate meal, so lunch can turn into a proper sit-down dinner without much effort. Prices stay friendly, parking is usually easy, and the menus lean hard into comfort food.
Save this one for the next cold day or road trip across the state.
The Old Lincoln Highway still carries travelers through Crescent, and Henry’s Diner sits right on it at 836 Old Lincoln Hwy. That address alone gives it a little road trip charm.
The menu leans on family recipes and home-style cooking. Daily specials rotate, and a meatloaf dinner might show up alongside ham and bean soup and American fries, which are basically country potatoes.
Soup is a big reason to stop. The homemade bowls pair well with a hot beef sandwich or the chicken fried steak smothered in country gravy.
If you can plan around the weekend, prime rib is served on Friday and Saturday only. Fried chicken and burgers round out the dinner side.
Hours run from 9 AM most weekdays, with earlier 8 AM openings on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday wraps up at 2 PM, so aim for brunch that day.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, and reservations are accepted. Weeknights tend to be quieter if you want an easy table.
Chicken bow tie soup is not something you find on every diner menu. At Manny’s Diner in Knoxville, it shares the spotlight with a hearty homemade vegetable soup.
The soups here have a solid reputation around town. Better yet, many orders come with a choice of soup or salad, plus a potato or fries, so the soup becomes part of the meal instead of an extra.
The rest of the menu has a fun mix. Fresh gyro meat sits next to Iowa staples like tenderloins and old-school liver and onions.
Service moves quickly, which helps on a short lunch break. The room is casual and quiet, with a kids’ menu and high chairs for families.
Manny’s opens at 7 AM every day and stays open until 8 PM most nights, 9 PM on Fridays. Sunday mornings get crowded, and reservations are not taken, so a weekday visit is the calmer bet.
Chicken and rice, beef barley, chicken dumpling, chicken noodle. The soup rotation at Vinton Family Restaurant reads like a greatest hits list of Midwest comfort.
Most menu items come with soup or salad, which makes the soup of the day an easy pick. A homemade chicken noodle soup with a bacon cheeseburger is a classic Benton County lunch.
Value is a strong point. Steak and shrimp dinners have come with soup or salad, a choice of potato, and dessert at a very reasonable price.
Breakfast is served all day, and the waffles and omelets have their own fans. It is a good spot for anyone who wants pancakes at 4 PM.
The restaurant sits at 310 W 21st St and opens at 7 AM daily. It closes at 8 PM Monday through Saturday and 3 PM on Sunday, with takeout and delivery available.
Early risers, this one is for you. Klunder’s Kafe opens at 5 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, which is about as early as Iowa diners get.
The soup of the day changes, and beef and dumplings has been one of the offerings. Grilled cheese with tomato bisque is another dependable pairing.
Everything here leans homemade. The pies are a big draw, with several varieties made in-house, and broasted chicken is a menu highlight.
Seating includes booths and bar stools at the counter, giving it that classic cafe setup. Chicken fried steak, pork chops, and pancakes fill out the comfort food lineup.
You will find it at 929 W Milwaukee St in northeast Iowa. Weekday hours run until 8 PM, while weekends close at 3 PM, so plan soup runs accordingly.
Don’t let the name fool you. Snack Time in Nevada serves full meals, and the homemade soups are a big part of the appeal.
Think classic diner staples: burgers, sandwiches, and soup. Ham and bean is a favorite, and plenty of people order an extra bowl to take home for later.
The family-run restaurant has booths plus tables that can be pushed together for bigger groups. That makes it a handy stop for a family lunch or a team meetup.
Breakfast starts at 6 AM Tuesday through Saturday and 7 AM on Sunday. The diner is closed Mondays, and weekend hours end at 3 PM.
Find it at 1010 6th St in Story County, a short drive from Ames. Reservations are accepted, and parking is usually easy.
Some soup bowls are polite. The vegetable beef at Johnnie Mars comes in a giant bowl packed with fresh vegetables and big chunks of roast beef.
This Sioux City diner mixes homestyle American cooking with Greek favorites like gyros and kebabs. The result is a big menu with something different on nearly every page.
Homemade soups are the main reason it lands here, but the daily specials deserve attention too. The hot turkey sandwich and chicken fried steak dinner are menu highlights.
A salad bar adds another option for anyone who wants a lighter plate. Mushroom Swiss burgers are a popular pick as well.
Johnnie Mars sits at 2401 5th St and opens at 7 AM Tuesday through Sunday, closing at 8 PM. It is closed Mondays, and Sunday mornings are the busiest stretch.
Road warriors know a good chicken noodle soup when they find one. Highway 63 Diner in Waterloo has earned that kind of loyalty from people passing through.
Plenty of items are made in-house here, including soups and the salad dressings. The homemade dressings are a signature, which is unusual for a diner.
Broasted chicken is the other headliner. Walleye, fried pickles, onion rings, and cheese curds give the menu a strong Midwest accent.
The family-run spot has a huge menu with vegetarian options and kid-friendly picks. A private dining room and catering make it useful for group gatherings.
Find it at 3030 Marnie Ave, open from 11 AM most days and 10:30 AM on Sunday. Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, and reservations are accepted.
It makes a fitting final stop on a soup tour of Iowa, where homemade still means something.
DES MOINES, Iowa —Volleyball teams in Iowa's three biggest classes punched their tickets to the state tournament Tuesday night.Scroll to see the winners of regional finals in Classes 3A, 4A and 5A, which will advance to play in the state tournament next week at Xtream Arena in Coralville.Click here for the state tournament schedule.Click here for state tournament tickets.Teams in Classes 1A and 2A play regional final matches Wednesday night.Class 5A regional c...
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Volleyball teams in Iowa's three biggest classes punched their tickets to the state tournament Tuesday night.
Scroll to see the winners of regional finals in Classes 3A, 4A and 5A, which will advance to play in the state tournament next week at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Click here for the state tournament schedule.
Click here for state tournament tickets.
Teams in Classes 1A and 2A play regional final matches Wednesday night.
Waukee Northwest 3, Waukee 0 — 25-20, 25-9, 25-17
Dallas Center-Grimes 3, Iowa City High 1 — 25-17, 16-25, 25-11, 25-15
Ankeny 3, Cedar Rapids Kennedy 0 — 25-7, 25-19, 25-23
Dowling Catholic 3, Indianola 0 — 25-12, 25-20, 25-17
Iowa City West 3, West Des Moines Valley 0 — 25-16, 25-17, 25-13
Ankeny Centennial 3, Bettendorf 0 25-12, 25-19, 25-18
Pleasant Valley 3, Johnston 0 — 25-13, 25-15, 26-24
Cedar Falls 3, Iowa City Liberty 0 — 25-23, 25-14, 25-15
Norwalk 3, ADM 0 — 25-15, 25-14, 25-16
Assumption 3, Bondurant-Farrar 0 — 25-15, 25-19, 25-18
Western Dubuque 3, Wahlert Catholic 0 — 25-14, 25-16, 25-20
Clear Creek-Amana 3, Burlington 0 — 25-13, 25-10, 25-12
Sioux Center 3, Sergeant Bluff-Luton — 26-24, 25-23, 25-19
Ballard 3, Lewis Central 1 — 25-14, 29-27, 24-26, 25-21
North Polk 3, Glenwood 0 — 25-14, 25-20, 27-25
Waverly-Shell Rock 3, Marion 1 — 25-17, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24
Western Christian 3, Treynor 0 — 25-20, 25-11, 25-20
MOC-Floyd Valley 3, New Hampton 0 — 25-20, 25-22, 25-22
Dike-New Hartford 3, Williamsburg 0 — 25-23, 25-21, 25-14
Humboldt 3, Unity Christian 1 — 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 28-26
Solon 3, West Delaware 0 — 25-21, 25-14, 25-19
Roland-Story 3, Mid-Prairie 1 — 25-14, 25-16, 26-28, 25-12
Cherokee Washington 3, Kuemper Catholic 0 — 25-19, 25-22, 25-14
Wilton 3, Mount Vernon 2 — 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 20-25, 15-11
2026 Iowa High School State Cross Country ChampionshipsGirls Class 1A2nd….Alexis Mujica……..Newman Catholic Mason City4th….Olivia Urbatsch…..Northwood-Kensett6th….Ivy Urbatch……….Northwood-Kensett7th….Viviana Dugan……Clayton Ridge9th….Lauren Krogman…Starmont-West Central11th…Julia Swift…………Bishop-Garrigan12th…Ava Witt……&hell...
2026 Iowa High School State Cross Country Championships
Girls Class 1A
2nd….Alexis Mujica……..Newman Catholic Mason City
4th….Olivia Urbatsch…..Northwood-Kensett
6th….Ivy Urbatch……….Northwood-Kensett
7th….Viviana Dugan……Clayton Ridge
9th….Lauren Krogman…Starmont-West Central
11th…Julia Swift…………Bishop-Garrigan
12th…Ava Witt…………..St. Ansgar
Team Standings
4th…..South Winneshiek
5th…..Sumner-Fredericksburg
6th…..Northwood-Kensett
Boys Class 1A
2nd…..Hugh Conway…..South Winneshiek
12th….Ezra Alemelien….North Butler
Team Standings
8th….South Winneshiek
Girls Class 2A
12th….Lexus Dolhmann…..Crestwood
13th….Txori Gomez……….Denver
45th….Sophie Glaser……..New Hampton
Team Standings
7th……MFL/Mar-Mac
11th…..Crestwood
Boys Class 2A
5th……Jesse Gomez……..Denver
7th……Braden Manson…..New Hampton
18th….Kade Tabbert………Central Springs
Team Standings
8th……Denver
Girls Class 3A
***Charles City’s Megan Korbel…..DNF
Team Standings
7th…….Clear Lake
Boys Class 3A
3rd……Henry Hansen……..Mason City
8th……Clarence Nimrod…..Decorah
11th…..Tate Tisdahl………..Clear Lake
15th…..Derek Hrdlicka…….Decorah
Team Standings
4th…….Decorah
One of the oldest boarding schools in Jamaica, the Malvern-based all-girls’ Hampton School was founded in 1858, two years after its all-boys brother school, Munro College.With its motto Suma Virtute Et Humanitate (With Utmost Courage and Courtesy), the school is known for producing well-rounded ladies.Observer Online spoke with members of the school’s alumni community, who shared fond memories of their time at the institution and some insights on things a person would only know if they attended Hamp...
One of the oldest boarding schools in Jamaica, the Malvern-based all-girls’ Hampton School was founded in 1858, two years after its all-boys brother school, Munro College.
With its motto Suma Virtute Et Humanitate (With Utmost Courage and Courtesy), the school is known for producing well-rounded ladies.
Observer Online spoke with members of the school’s alumni community, who shared fond memories of their time at the institution and some insights on things a person would only know if they attended Hampton.
1. The Quadrangle — While mainly used for devotions, the Quadrangle was the meeting place for the entire school, including teachers, who looked on from the staffroom balcony. Devotions became known as ‘quad’ and were mandatory for ladies to start the morning with the good word. With girls lined up in order of forms, the fifth formers would get exposed to the sun first as it rose higher, but the longer quad went on, especially if it’s a Monday or a Friday, just prepare for everyone to be hot!
2. The ‘sacred’ garden, stairs and blocks — The principal’s garden leading to the front office with its turtle pond was strictly out of bounds for students, and most would only walk through it if they returned after graduation. Similarly, no student was ever supposed to set foot on the steep teachers’ stairs leading to the staff room, and no lower school students should ever be seen on the sixth and fifth form blocks.
3. Blueprint — Blueprint is one of the only all-female steel bands in the country, and Hamptonians will tell you it’s the best! Tickets for the band’s annual show, Echoes, sell out quickly. Founded by the school’s long-time music teacher Alison Morris, Blueprint often performs alongside the school’s celebrated choir.
4. Seniors rule the seats — Hampton was one of the few schools in the country with a fully functional private bus system decades before the new Rural School Bus Programme, and seating charts were no joke. As an informal rule, only seniors were allowed at the back of the bus, and girls would sit in descending order.
5. Late-bugs walk! — Hampton ladies who were late to school would not have the privilege of getting dropped off near the quadrangle; rather, they would have to walk up the long hill leading to the quad in the early morning sun as penance.
6. The green tables — The green (now blue) tables and benches set up across the school grounds hold a special spot in every Hamptonian’s heart; from laughs to trading ‘sus’, they remain a cherished meeting spot for students.
7. Flaming black cake and carolling – This blazing dessert was a speciality afforded to boarding students each year during Christmas celebrations. Students would also be expected to dress warmly and go out carolling in the quiet town of Malvern where the school is situated.
8. Hamptonia — The school’s song, a celebration of its location, creation, ethos and students with its notoriously difficult high notes is learned quickly by all new students if only because it is sung so often at ‘quad’. ‘Vivat floreat Hamtonia, Crescat floreat, Hamptonia, In saecula, per multa Floreat Hamptonia.’
9. Tuck — For boarders, who would only go home every three weeks, tuck boxes were where food and snacks were stored, and students would get access to them on Wednesday evenings and weekends. Opening tuck boxes to trade cup soups, banana chips and Tiggaz was always an exciting prospect.
10.‘Substance’ and cheese/ Sugarbun and cheese — Some older Hamptonians describe it as a cornbread-like cake while other younger ladies remember a brown spiral bun, but whether you called it ‘substance’ or ‘sugarbun ’, the baked good sold with a slice of cheese was always in high demand at ‘bottom caf’ or ‘top caf’.
11. ‘Country’ side and ‘city’ side dorms – Dormitories are split down the middle with a ‘country’ side and a ‘city’ side; the city side consists of the newer pink, green and blue buildings, while the country side consists of older, more traditional dwellings including Villa, Cottage and Ivy Rota.
12. Prizegiving — Held every November, this ceremony is based on academic performance. Only girls with an average of over 75 per cent were allowed to attend along with their families, to be awarded a silver pin (for averages 75 to 84 per cent) or a gold pin (85 per cent and above) to be worn on uniforms or ties.
13. “It’s not Hampton High” (sigh) — Every Hampton girl has, at some point, had to correct someone about the name of the institution, which is Hampton School (for Girls), not Hampton High or Hampton High School, an oft-repeated mistake.
14. The Hampton Clap — Five rounds of five successive claps, a sound distinctive to Hampton and instantly recognisable to anyone who attended the institution.
15. With utmost courage and courtesy — Poise and courtesy are an important part of life at Hampton. Grace, dignity, and composure are emphasised, even after leaving school, you’re unlikely to find a Hamptonian eating while walking or walking with their hands in their pockets. Chewing gum is also not allowed and would never be found for sale in the school’s cafeteria.
16. Dear Munro… — Hampton’s brother school is a 15-minute drive away, and phones are not allowed for lower school students. In order to communicate with their friends (and beaus!) boarders would send specially folded letters delivered by the ‘day-girls’. Written on a single ‘book-leaf ’, the letters would be folded so that the paper became the envelope too, concealing the contents prior to delivery. Aside from letters, the two schools share an intrinsic bond, from excitement about supporting the all-boys school at football and track meets and Schools Challenge Quiz, shared bus routes and pandemonium when they came to visit; Hampton without Munro is like sugarbun without cheese.
17. Chapel — Religion is important for Hampton ladies, and boarders attend services in the school’s historic chapel every Sunday. The attire for these sessions is the same for all students: their bright white chapel gowns.
18. Poui trees — Gracing the grounds of Hampton School are several poui trees, the largest in front of the Information Technology labs. Once these started to bloom with their distinctive yellow flowers, it’s said it would be too late to start studying, as exams are around the corner!
19. Names we can’t forget – The people make the place, and there are some names beloved by students that have been passed down through generations: Mr Singh (hello, get away!), Mr Hall (Biology and Quiz), Ms Reid (History), Ms Quest (Art), Ms Green (Housemother), Ms King (Law), Mrs Taylor (lunch matron), Mr Dwight (cook), Maxine (ancillary staff), Mickey (groundskeeper) and of course Mr Fabian Letman (Security and logistics).
20. Finish the sentence — “Hampton Ladies are…”, “Heads up shoulders back…”, “Hampton ladies don’t set trends…” “If Gold rusts…”
– Dana Malcolm
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