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As the river rose, people came together

Local Columns

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the 2024 floods. As such, I’ve been thinking about that community effort and how proud it makes me feel. A year prior, heavy rains had brought the Des Moines River to a near-decade high. The National Weather Service alerted us to the possibility of disaster. But Webster County didn't wait. EMA, township authorities, volunteers, and others took action. The sandbag stations materialized in Fort Dodge, Lehigh, Otho. Neighbors, families, workers - even outsiders beyond our county - came. They packaged bags, doled out water, made donations of ...

Lunch on Central is coming

Editorial

There will be some good eating during a picnic to be held in the 700 block of Central Avenue Friday. We are, of course, referring to Lunch on Central which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the alley between The Messenger building and the Webster County Courthouse in the 700 block of Central Avenue. The menu will include pork burgers and tenderloins grilled by the Webster County Pork Producers, pasta salad, chips and bottled water, all for $8. Kosovo Exchange, a youth group that is part of Fort Dodge’s Sister City relationship with Gjakova in Kosovo, will be selling ...

It’s time to splash down at Rosedale Rapids

Editorial

The past weekend was a scorcher, and it’s a sure bet that we have not seen the last of hot weather this summer. So when the days become smoldering hot, it is good to remember that there is a safe place to cool off right here in Fort Dodge. We are referring, of course, to the Rosedale Rapids aquatics center at 10th Avenue North and North 32nd Street. In 2007, voters approved a bond issue enabling the city government to borrow the millions necessary to build the aquatics center. The center opened in 2010, and it provides much more than just a rectangular pool to splash around ...

Thankful for support

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Dear Friends of Saint Edmond Catholic School, We write to express gratitude and appreciation to all Friends of St. Edmond Catholic School as well as the Fort Dodge community for their incredible support during the 2025 Friends of St. Edmond Ball Fundraiser, held on May 10th. As the co-chairs of this event, we feel truly honored to have been a part of such a successful and memorable evening. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and celebrate together as we welcomed the Class Reunions of 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015, who joined us on this special night. We ...

Reflecting on the resilience of our communities one year after the devastating floods

Local Columns

One year ago, catastrophic floods devastated communities across western Iowa. From Rock Valley, Correctionville, and Hawarden to Spencer, Sioux City, and Cherokee, countless towns faced unthinkable destruction and first responders bravely jumped into action. Homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, farms, and other infrastructure were damaged — many beyond repair — leaving families unsure of the future and communities looking for solutions. Tragically, several people even lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families on this somber anniversary. For 2024, ...

New Gowrie trail awaits walkers, runners, bicyclists

Editorial

The residents of Gowrie and the surrounding area now have nearly two miles of new trail that they can use for walking, running, bicycling or skating. It’s called the Freedom Trail, an appropriate name for a path in a town known for its spectacular Independence Day celebrations. Like all trails, this one took years of planning. But its origin also has a moving story behind it. Some 20 years ago, Andrea Kuhn was helping to care for her sister, who was suffering through the ravages of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Kuhn was not alone in her efforts. She had support from friends and ...