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Two added to FD Police Department

Two new Fort Dodge police officers have been hired. Constancio Gomez is a native of California who graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. He is a veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard, who is pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice. Ethan Krieger is a native of Kamrar and graduate of Northeast Hamilton High School. He has worked for the Hamilton County Jail, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Eldora Police Department. Both were introduced to the City Council Monday.

Lunch on Central returns in June, July, and August

The annual Lunch on Central returns in 2026 on the last Friday of June, July and August. Hosted by Main Street Fort Dodge, board members, local volunteers and business sponsors team up to serve a delicious and affordable meal in the heart of downtown. The event is held in the parking lot in the 700 block of Central Avenue between The Messenger and the Webster County Courthouse. Meals are $8, with outdoor seating or takeout available. Desserts from a local nonprofit organization are available for purchase. The menu for the first lunch this Friday includes a pork burger or tenderloin, ...

Otho to receive USDA funds for water work

OTHO — The City of Otho is one of seven Iowa communities that will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Earlier this week, the USDA announced that Iowa will receive $31.2 million in rural development funding. The City of Otho will receive $33,000 to help with technical assistance to plan water system improvements, including the evaluation of water infrastructure, source alternatives, emergency connections and water meters. The project will also deliver a report including recommendations, alternatives and costs for improvements. For Wright and Hancock counties, ...

City of Fort Dodge audit report released

Cornwell, Frideres, Maher & Associates, P.L.C., released an audit report this week on the City of Fort Dodge. The city’s revenues totaled $81,955,523 for the year ended June 30, 2025, a 7.3% increase from the prior year. Expenses for the city’s operations for t he year ended June 30, 2025, totaled $101,942,877. The increase in revenue is primarily due to an increase in charges for services. The increase in expenses is primarily due to increased expenditures for capital projects and broadband utility. Cornwell, Frideres, Maher & Associates, P.L.C., reported four findings related ...

Open house planned regarding Hamilton County trail project

JEWELL — There will be a public open house meeting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 28 at the Jewell Golf Course regarding the trail extension from Jewell to Little Wall Lake Park. This will be a come-and-go meeting where the public is welcome to come and learn more about the trail project. Staff from Hamilton County Conservation and project partner Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation will be on hand to go over maps and answer questions about the project. Hamilton County Conservation has already secured the property needed for trail construction through a state recreational trail grant and ...

Heartland Museum to hold annual book sale June 20-27

CLARION — Heartland Museum is holding its annual used book sale June 20-27. Books have been donated and proceeds will be used for Heartland’s 4-H schoolhouse roof repair. Books are being accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Heartland Museum, 119 Ninth St. S.W., Clarion, Monday through Friday up until sale dates. The gift shop also will be open on the sale days. Book prices are $1 for hard cover, 50 cents for soft cover, and 25 cents for kids books and romance books. Sale hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday ...