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New U-Haul outlet opens in Fort Dodge

U-Haul Co. of Iowa Inc. announced that Leroy’s Auto Sales & Service signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Fort Dodge community. Leroy’s Auto Sales & Service at 3021 Fifth Ave. S. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies. U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 23,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation.

Stewart Memorial nurse Drost receives DAISY Award nomination

LAKE CITY — Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics recognizes Shyla Drost, a registered nurse, for her recent DAISY Award nomination, honoring the meaningful impact she made for a patient and their family during their time at Stewart Memorial. The nomination came after Drost helped create ...

FDSH teacher Reed is in externship program

Jeremiah Reed, an industrial technology teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High School, joined 95 teachers for the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program, which places educators inside Iowa businesses to bring real-world experience back to their classrooms. Reed will complete a six-week ...

Urology services now available at VDMC

WEBSTER CITY — Van Diest Medical Center announced that Dr. Fawad Zafar will be joining the team in VDMC’s Surgery and Specialty Clinic Department, beginning in August. Zafar is a urologist with 30 years of experience in both urology and general surgery. He completed his Doctor of ...

ABI survey finds Iowa employers focused on workforce

DES MOINES — Results from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s (ABI) third quarter 2026 Quarterly Business Survey show Iowa employers continuing to invest in their businesses while taking a more cautious view of the economy heading into the second half of the year. Key survey findings include: • 62 percent expect sales to expand over the next quarter. • 62 percent expect employment levels to remain stable, while nearly one-third anticipate workforce growth. • 85 percent plan to make capital expenditures, with most respondents planning modest ...

Sumpter, Vitzthum join the LifeWorks Community Services Board

Jennifer Sumpter and Nolan Vitzthum joined the LifeWorks Community Services Board of Directors. As board members, they will provide oversight to LifeWorks’ paid leadership as they fulfill the organization’s mission. The mission of LifeWorks Community Services is to provide ...