Breaking News

Kantor Avenue east of Briggs Woods to remain closed

WEBSTER CITY — Nearly every chair was filled at the Hamilton County Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, with the majority of the residents attending there to learn more about the closing of the Kantor Avenue bridge east of Briggs Woods. The topic of the bridge’s condition was addressed by ...

Go and Do: Nov. 13, 2026

Around the area MANSON — Manson Northwest Webster High School will present its fall play, “Polecat Hayride,” at 7 p.m. TODAY and SATURDAY in the Kate Toben Auditorium at the high school, 1601 15th St. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. HARCOURT — The Greenfield-Hartquist ...

A legacy of service

Editors note: This story first appeared in The Messenger in November 2025. WEBSTER CITY — Why wait? That was the philosophy that compelled Leo Lanctot to enlist in the U.S. Army very soon after high school graduation back in 1963. "I wanted to beat the draft," Lanctot recalled. "My older ...

Fort Dodge community honors its veterans

Members of the Fort Dodge community came together Wednesday morning to honor those who could accurately be called the true heroes in their midst. Those people often have old uniforms hanging in the closet and framed displays of patches and medals in their living rooms. They are veterans ...

Large fire erupts in brush pile

Fort Dodge Fire Department crews responded to a large brush pile fire at Oleson Park around 5 a.m. today. The pile contains trees, branches and other wood debris collected by the city's Public Areas Department. Due to the size and nature of the fire, crews are allowing it to burn down under close supervision. Once conditions are safe, firefighters will evaluate additional options to fully extinguish the remaining fire. What residents should know: ▪️Firefighters will remain on scene throughout the day to monitor the fire and keep it contained. ▪️Smoke may be visible in the ...

FD senator gets leadership post

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R- Fort Dodge, was elected as Senate president pro tempore for the 92nd General Assembly by his colleagues. In that role, he will preside over the Senate when the Senate president is absent. “For the last couple years, I have been proud to serve my caucus as ...