McCuddin’s competency questioned
An attorney representing the Fort Dodge man accused of stabbing his sister and nephew to death in Ames is questioning his competency to stand trial, court filings indicate. Davontrez R. McCuddin, 22, is charged with two counts of first degree murder. He is accused of stabbing his sister, ...
Educating the public
On the screen, actor Chadwick Boseman was unstoppable as the Black Panther. Fellow actor James Van Der Beek was the picture of fitness in his various TV and movie roles. Their fans were stunned when both died in their 40s from colon cancer. Those deaths brought renewed attention to the ...
Supervisors approve $2.5M accident settlement
The Webster County Supervisors approved a $2.75 million mediated settlement payment Tuesday for a 2022 motor vehicle accident involving a county snowplow. According to Webster County Attorney Darren Driscoll, the payment from the Iowa Community Assurance Pool (ICAP) to Regina Rhea will resolve the contested civil matter in exchange for full release of all claims against the County. The funds do not come from the county budget, but instead from the ICAP risk pool, which Driscoll likened to insurance. “Prior to litigation there was a mediation a few weeks ago where our counsel and ...
‘Who do we hold accountable?’
Webster County residents received their annual property tax valuations this week, and residents brought concerns and questions to the Board of Supervisors during a tax levy special meeting Tuesday. “When I first started paying taxes in Fort Dodge, I think I was paying $800 a year,” said Fort Dodge resident Shirley Trent. “Now it’s over twice as much. That’s a heck of a lot for someone that’s retired and living on a retirement income.” “I own a storage business,” said Ly Tran, of Fort Dodge. “On one property alone, you guys have raised my property tax in 2025 by ...
Fort Dodge residents honored with statewide awards
Two Fort Dodge residents were honored by LeadingAge Iowa, an association representing non-profit aging service providers. Sharon Hickey was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award by LeadingAge Iowa. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to preserving the ...