Local News

Sherman touts life experiences in run for governor

Former state Rep. Brad Sherman says he was the first candidate to enter the race for the 2026 Republican nomination for Iowa governor. “I wasn’t looking for another career,” he said during a visit to Fort Dodge Friday. He said he and his wife, Carole, prayed about his possible run for governor. “We felt that God made it clear that it’s his will that I run for this office,” he said. Now in a four-way race for the Republican nomination to replace Gov. Kim Reynolds, he’s emphasizing his wide range of life experiences and his integrity. “I believe deeply in truth ...

Van hits Fort Dodge house

A van slammed into a Fort Dodge house Friday afternoon, shifting one side of the structure and causing significant damage. The driver was taken to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. Fire Department Capt. Steve Teske said it appeared that he had suffered some kind of ...

Fort Dodge men set out to help after Spirit Lake Massacre

bshea@messengernews.net Fort Dodge, originally called Fort Clark, had been in existence since 1850. But the northern area of Iowa it was intended to secure was peaceful, and soldiers were needed elsewhere. So in 1853, the Army closed the fort, and its troops, members of Co. E, 6th U.S. ...

The making of America’s first president

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of 12 weekly stories focusing on America’s 250th birthday, as told through the lens of our communities and the role many of the places we call home played in shaping the nation before, during and after the Revolutionary War. This week we ...

Go Big, Go Dodgers

Floating through history

An experienced outdoorsman’s insights on what can be found along Iowa’s waterways will highlight the largest annual fundraiser for the Friends of Webster County Conservation. Larry Stone will be the keynote speaker at the April 22 Call of the Wild event at the Matt Cosgrove River’s ...