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‘He made the world a better place’

Many people knew Justin Faiferlick as a member of the Fort Dodge unit of the Iowa Air National Guard. Still others knew him as their martial arts and fitness instructor. Regardless of what role they encountered him in, Faiferlick left a deep and positive impression on people. “Justin is one of those people you look at and say “I hope my son can be like him one day,” said retired Lt. Col. Dick Breitbach, who was the commander of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge. “Justin touched so many lives, and he made the world a better place,” he ...

Conrad seeks third term as Webster County supervisor

Niki Conrad is seeking a third term on the Webster County Board of Supervisors. A Democrat, she represents District 4, which is the central and northern parts of Fort Dodge. She was first elected in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. “County government works best when decisions are made thoughtfully, transparently and with the long-term interests of our communities in mind,” she said in a written statement. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done and am committed to building on that progress.” She said that during her time on the board, she worked with fellow supervisors and ...

Making it real

BADGER — Zach was complaining of chest pain when a couple of Badger volunteer firefighters arrived on scene Tuesday evening. Then things went from bad to worse — he stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating. A small group of firefighters quickly started CPR, set up an ...

Supervisors approve hiring county EMS coordinator

The Webster County Supervisors approved hiring Scott Richards as the county’s new EMS coordinator Tuesday. His hiring was recommended by the county’s EMS Advisory Council, which unanimously approved him on March 4. Richards, a Lifeflight paramedic and paramedic instructor, will have a starting salary of $85,000. His start date is still to be determined. Establishing the new EMS coordinator position was part of the plan for the EMS essential service tax approved by the voters in March 2025. The coordinator will not be in charge of the EMS agencies in the county. Instead, the ...

Council backs EMS

The Fort Dodge City Council on Monday approved an agreement that would allow the use of money from the new emergency medical services tax to be spent on buildings, personnel and vehicles. That agreement is expected to be considered by the Webster County Board of Supervisors today. In ...

FD school board OKs pay agreements

As the 2025-26 school year moves into its latter stages, preparations for 2026-27 are moving along for the Fort Dodge Community School District Board. The group approved ratifying agreements Monday with the bus drivers bargaining unit, the education association, and administrative and professional support staff. Paraprofessional contract agreements were ratified at the Feb. 23 session. “We have a good relationship with the groups we work with on these processes,” Superintendent Josh Porter said. “We want to give a huge shoutout to each of them for the work they did in getting ...