Breaking News

Gala event will support Honor Flight

A night of dining and dancing is planned to help raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C., aboard the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight. The second annual Honor Flight Ball is planned for Nov. 14 at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N. “Our veterans gave so much for this ...

Meet the candidates for Webster County recorder

Today’s edition of The Messenger provides a brief introduction to the two candidates running for Webster County recorder. Democratic incumbent Courtney Bender Balkenede, who was appointed to complete an unexpired term, is seeking her first full term. She was the deputy recorder when the ...

Longtime musical director Mitchell dies

Larry Mitchell, who for 42 years was the guiding light behind musical theater productions in Fort Dodge, died Friday. His death was announced by Comedia Musica Players, the theater troupe he established, and the Fort Dodge Community School District, where he taught from 1966 to 1997. From 1967 to 1997, he directed 31 of the spring musicals performed by Fort Dodge Senior High School students. Mitchell started with “Where’s Charlie” in 1967 and concluded his high school directing efforts with “Naughty Marietta” in 1997. He established Comedia Musica Players in 1968. He ...

A higher standard

HUMBOLDT — Growing up on the family farm, Kyle Larsen learned the ins and outs of pork production. Today, Larsen relies on artificial insemination to ensure the pork he and his wife produce for Niman Ranch has superior genetics and meets high quality standards. Niman Ranch is a network ...

Sand, Muhlbauer campaign in Fort Dodge

Rob Sand and Dave Muhlbauer were back in Fort Dodge Saturday, working to motivate Democratic volunteers in the final days before the general election. “We have a unique opportunity in front of us in Iowa,” said Sand, the state auditor who is his party’s nominee for governor. “We have an open seat in the governor’s office,” he said. “ We have a pretty unpopular president from the opposite party.” But Sand added that there is also “a tough situation.” “Everyone’s hurting right now,” he said. “They’re paying too much for gas, too much for groceries, too ...

Photo shoots with St. Nick to benefit community

Mark Miller is getting into the Christmas spirit early this year. The Fort Dodge businessman is offering two opportunities for holiday photos and fun with Santa Claus and Spirit the Elf, with the first coming this Saturday at the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center. A second date ...