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The Messenger wins statewide honors

The newsroom and advertising staff of The Messenger received multiple awards from the Iowa Newspaper Association. The newsroom won the first place award for Best Headline Writing. “Headlines are snappy, smart and full of fun,” wrote the judges who critiqued The Messenger. The Messenger also won first place for Best Newspaper Website. “Great layout with appealing fonts,” the judges wrote.” Simple and swift access to news.” Here are the other awards the paper received: • Best Ad Designer — Nick Manwarren, second place; Michelle Colshan, third place • Best ...

Deck scorched at Dayton house

DAYTON — The back deck on a Dayton home caught fire Friday afternoon, but quick work by volunteer firefighters prevented the flames from spreading into the house. “Our guys made a really, really good stop,” Dayton Fire Chief Luke Hainzinger said. The fire at 505 First St. N.W. was reported at 1:04 p.m. No one was injured. Hainzinger said the fire involved the back deck, part of the siding on the house and the porch overhang. He said there was smoke damage inside the house. “Our guys made a quick stop on it as soon as the first truck arrived,” he said. “It could have ...

‘Positive interactions’

BURNSIDE — A Fort Dodge hobby shop is helping turn reward time into a real-world learning experience for students at Southeast Valley Middle School. According to middle school Principal Scott Danielson, students who maintained good grades, avoided referrals, and stayed in good standing ...

Second suspect arrested in Dayton gunfire case

DAYTON — The second of two men wanted in connection with a December incident in which a Dayton home was sprayed with gunfire has been arrested. Jose L. Perez, 33, of Lehigh, was arrested by Webster County sheriff’s deputies and charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent and reckless use of a firearm, according to court records. Zachary S. Hammond, 40, of Lehigh, was arrested Jan. 14 and was charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent. The shooting occurred between 7:40 p.m. and 8:06 p.m. Dec. 28, 2025, in the 100 ...

Go and Do: Feb. 6, 2026

In Fort Dodge FORT DODGE — The Fort Museum and Frontier Village, 1 Museum Road, will hold a sewing guild meeting from 2 to 6 p.m. on SUNDAY. Learn to sew, make historical costumes, and support our historical culture. No fees. FORT DODGE — A Vendor Show and Kids Makers Market will be held TODAY at Citizens Central, 617 Central Ave. The Vendor Show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Kids Makers Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Around the area CLARION — The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows wrestling team is heading to state duals in Coralville at 3:30 p.m. TODAY, traveling down Main Street, ...

Celebrate the chill with TWINterFest

TWIN LAKES — A local winter season rite of passage is set for Twin Lakes again. The wildly popular TWINterfest event, presented by Fareway Meat and Grocery, is set for Saturday,, and will feature a slate of fun that could rival any Winter Olympic Games. The full schedule includes a ...