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FD stabbing under investigation

Fort Dodge Police are investigating after a man was stabbed Sunday night in Fort Dodge. Officers were called to the scene at 915 Third Ave. N. around 7:56 p.m. Sunday, according to the Fort Dodge Police Department. Upon arrival, officers assisted the man until the Fort Dodge Fire Department arrived on scene to continue aid. The man, who has not been identified, was transported to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center, where his condition was unknown Sunday night. Fort Dodge Police secured the crime scene, and the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with ...

Bring on the tractors

Hundreds of tractors and tractor enthusiasts will converge on Webster County in June for the WHO Great Iowa Tractor Ride. The event will be held June 21-24 with the Webster County Fairgrounds south of Fort Dodge as its base, organizers announced. “There will be big caravans of ...

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 ...