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BVU announces Spring Dean’s List

STORM LAKE — More than 520 students were named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s List at Buena Vista University. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for the semester. Local students who made the list, by town, are: Barnum: Sophia McCullough. Dayton: McKenna Scott. Farnhamville: Sara Allen, Colton Brant, and Justine Carlson. Fort Dodge: Jessica Aspengren, Madelyn Dutcher, Kylie Reed, Wesley Simms, Heather Tilton, and Abigail Valentine. Gowrie: Caterina Dalley. Humboldt: Rachel Conlon, Noelle Hamand, and Cindi Orona.

UDMO Launches Fundraiser June 15-19

Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. invites the community to take part in a simple but powerful fundraiser: the One Dollar Difference, built around one shared goal: raising $1 for every person helped through UDMO programs and services last year. Executive Director Julie Edwards shares, “UDMO served 16,228 individuals and families across 12 counties and more than 6,000 square miles in Northwest and North Central Iowa last year. Each year, thousands of neighbors receive support through programs that address food insecurity, housing stability, early childhood education, utility ...

The Messenger seeks freelancers

If you want to make an impact in your community, and have a front row seat for all of its activities and developments, The Messenger has an opportunity for you. The Messenger is seeking freelance writers and photographers who will be responsible for a variety of news and feature stories. Their work will be published online and in print. These are remote work opportunities with flexible schedules. If you are interested please send a resume and a few samples of your work to Editor Bill Shea at bshea@messengernews.net.

Nominations for Hometown Pride wanted

The Messenger is seeking nominations for its annual publication called Hometown Pride. Do you know someone who has an interesting story to tell? Perhaps they have a long track record of civic and public service. Or maybe they have an interesting and unique hobby. Or perhaps they have had some fascinating experiences they’re willing to talk about. The Messenger would like to highlight them in the annual magazine. If you know someone worth featuring in this publication, please send some information about them and ways to contact them to bshea@messengernews.net.

City of Fort Dodge buys backhoe

A new backhoe was purchased for the Fort Dodge Public Works Department during Monday’s City Council meeting. The John Deere machine was purchased from Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., of Fort Dodge, for $133,000. It will replace a 2014 model, which is being traded in for the new one.

Fort Dodge Public Library adult summer reading program is ‘Plant a Seed, Read!’

Fort Dodge Public Library invites adults ages 18 and older to participate in the 2026 Adult Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, Read!” This summer’s program celebrates gardening, nature, creativity, and reading with hands-on activities, educational programs, trivia, prizes, and more continuing through Aug. 22. Participants may enjoy a variety of free events and activities such as reading logs, trivia, and a guessing jar, all while earning chances to win weekly and grand prizes.