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Taking center stage with Greyson Chance

Becoming a drum major for Fort Dodge Senior High’s All-American Marching Band was the perfect catalyst for Greyson Chance. The Fort Dodge Senior High student has plans after high school to be involved in band, so this opportunity was a perfect fit for the senior. “Being a drum major has pushed me to be a better person, a better leader, and a better musician,” Chance said. “ I had to make sure to be more responsible with my time, my actions, and more responsible for my fellow band members. “ It means a lot to me that Mr. (Al) Paulson (band director) would entrust me with such ...

Painting holiday magic

HUMBOLDT — One year ago, Kelsey Olson was learning how to turn business windows into holiday canvases. This year, her artwork has taken her across state lines and brought her back to a childhood favorite, where she is giving young visitors something they can touch, explore and enjoy. The ...

Webster City resident was a Tuskegee Airman

WEBSTER CITY — When it came time to serve his country during World War II, Maurice V. Esters looked to the sky. The late Webster City man enlisted in the Army Air Force and became one of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black fighter pilots. He was one of 12 Iowans to be part of that ...

Bridge upgrade

When the Highland Park Avenue Bridge was built in Fort Dodge in 1925, cars like the Ford Model T rolled across it while steam locomotives rumbled down the tracks beneath it. The 101-year-old bridge will be replaced under a contract awarded by the City Council Monday. The council voted ...

Kraayenbrink elected Senate president pro tempore

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 an assistant majority leader and help ensure the success of Iowa Senate Republicans,” said Kraayenbrink. “I’m honored my colleagues elected me as president pro tempore and to continue help leading this caucus throughout the next general assembly.” Kraayenbrink was first elected to the Iowa ...

Council advances water, sewer rate increases

The Fort Dodge City Council on Monday unanimously approved the second readings of increases in the monthly water and sanitary sewer bills. Currently, the average residential customer pays $45.41 per month for water. Under the proposal advanced by the council, on Jan. 1 that figure would rise to $47.04. Then on Jan. 1, 2028, it would rise to $48.72. The average residential customer now pays $29.30 per month for sanitary sewer service. On Jan. 1, that amount would rise to $30.28. Then on Jan. 1, 2028, it would rise to $31.29. The increase must be approved once more in order to ...