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Burn ban to begin today in Webster Co.

Open burning will be prohibited in Webster County beginning at noon today until further notice, Emergency Management Coordinator Dylan Hagen reported. The ban on open burning does not apply to barbecue grills. Anyone who feels they must do some open burning should apply to the chief of their local department for a permit, Hagen said. Anyone with questions about the open burning ban should contact their local fire chief, Hagen at dylan.hagen@webstercountyia.gov or call the county Telecommunications Center at (515) 573-2323.

Iowa DNR plans burning at Brushy Creek

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources would like to notify the public that prescribed burning will be taking place at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area late February through May. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is located 5 miles east of Lehigh. Detailed burn plans are created for each area and safety is always the No. 1 consideration in the timing of each burn. Fire is a vital land management tool that is used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore and maintain native plant communities and reduce wildfire potential. Smoke produced from these ...

Black History Celebration set for Tuesday

A Black History Celebration hosted by the Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee will be held at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave. Sherry Washington said, “Celebrating Black History is an important time of reflection. We’ve come a long way, together as a community. Generations of Fort Dodge families can go way back in time, connecting the dots of today. “Remembering History, and not letting it fall by the way side is primary — not forgetting the ones before us who paved the way.” All are welcome to attend.

Three in custody after high speed chase

POCAHONTAS — Three people were arrested following an early Sunday morning vehicle chase through rural areas of a handful of northern Iowa counties. The pursuit began at about 4:40 a.m. when a deputy spotted a 2020 Nissan speeding on Iowa Highway 4, according to the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office. When the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, its driver took off at speeds of up to 100 mph. The pursuit continued onto gravel roads where speeds reached 90 mph, the sheriff’s office reported. The sheriff’s office reported that the vehicle failed to stop at numerous stop signs, ...

Drake University releases honors lists

The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List or President’s List at Drake University in Des Moines for the fall semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must have earned a grade point average of 3.5. To be eligible for the President’s List, a student must have earned a perfect grade point average of 4.0. Dayton — Alyssa Speck, Dean’s List Eagle Grove — Alecia Anderson, President’s List Emmetsburg — Aliza Woodford, Dean’s List Gowrie — Megan Palmer, Dean’s List Pomeroy — Elizabeth Rosa, President’s List Rockwell ...

Housing Agency releases annual plan

The Fort Dodge Housing Agency has developed its annual plan for fiscal year 2024. The plan is available for review at the agency’s office at 700 S. 17th St. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. A public hearing will be held on the plan at noon March 27 in the housing agency’s office.