Breaking News

Local News

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 ...

Traffic restriction announced

Second Street Northwest between Amvets Drive and Hawkeye Avenue will be closed to through traffic during working hours for the next two weeks, according to an announcement from the city of Fort Dodge.

D/SAOC cake auction begins Thursday

JOHN McBRIDE One of the most important fundraising endeavors for the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center returns Thursday with the launch of the online Cake Auction. The Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center (D/SAOC) is a place that offers safety, support, and hope to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human traficking and other violent crimes. All services within the shelter are free of charge. Every spring, staff and volunteers work together to auction off hundreds of items to raise as much money as they can. Bidding begins at 10 a.m. Thursday ...

Coming soon

Property for a second firehouse to be built on the city’s west side was purchased by the Fort Dodge City Council on Monday. The council bought land in the 300 block of A Street from Eldon and Karen Rossow, of Fort Dodge, for $85,000. That money will come from the city’s share of ...