Breaking News

1 dead, 1 wounded in Saturday shooting

One man was killed and another was wounded in a burst of gunfire early Saturday morning in Fort Dodge. The accused gunman was quickly apprehended and charged with first-degree murder and other felonies. The shooting took place right outside of the 4th Street Depot, 300 S. Fourth St., and was ...

For neighbors, local bar has been source of complaints

For years, people who live near the 4th Street Depot have complained to the City Council about loud noise, rowdiness, gun shots, and drunks throwing up or urinating on their property. Emily Jensen, whose family lives next to 4th Street Depot, has talked to the council in the past about problems she said they have experienced. On Saturday morning, just hours after the fatal shooting, she sent an email to Mayor Dave Flattery and the City Council. “I do not write this to say ‘I told you so,” she wrote. “I wish the concerns I raised earlier this year had proven unnecessary. ...

Zimmer finds a new calling

Editor's note: This feature first ran in a special publication called Hometown Pride, published June 27, 2026, featuring Vickie Zimmer had been a nurse for most of her professional career when she discovered a fulfilling life completely outside of her comfort zone. What began as a fill-in ...

Third Avenue Northwest work, water loan on FD council agenda

More work on the Third Avenue Northwest corridor and a loan to pay for water system improvements are on the agenda for the Fort Dodge City Council tonight. The council will meet at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S. Work is underway on the reconstruction of several blocks of Third Avenue Northwest. A contract the council will consider awarding tonight would provide the finishing details to the project. The contract includes storm sewer and water main improvements, construction of 1,100 feet of dual use path, tree plantings, lighting and installation of ...

A Second Chance at Life

For years, Jane Curtis told the stories that shaped her community, chronicling moments of resilience, loss, hope and perseverance. As editor of The Messenger and later editor of The Daily Freeman-Journal in Webster City, she spent decades documenting the lives of others. When she retired ...

UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge creates economic impact in Webster County

UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge generated 1,120 jobs and provided $155 million in wages that contributed to Webster County's economy last year, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. “We continue to invest in our team members and providing high-quality medical ...