Editors note: This story first appeared in The Messenger in November 2025. WEBSTER CITY — Why wait? That was the philosophy that compelled Leo Lanctot to enlist in the U.S. Army very soon after high school graduation back in 1963. "I wanted to beat the draft," Lanctot recalled. "My older ...
Members of the Fort Dodge community came together Wednesday morning to honor those who could accurately be called the true heroes in their midst. Those people often have old uniforms hanging in the closet and framed displays of patches and medals in their living rooms. They are veterans ...
Fort Dodge Fire Department crews responded to a large brush pile fire at Oleson Park around 5 a.m. today. The pile contains trees, branches and other wood debris collected by the city's Public Areas Department. Due to the size and nature of the fire, crews are allowing it to burn down under close supervision. Once conditions are safe, firefighters will evaluate additional options to fully extinguish the remaining fire. What residents should know: ▪️Firefighters will remain on scene throughout the day to monitor the fire and keep it contained. ▪️Smoke may be visible in the ...
State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R- Fort Dodge, was elected as Senate president pro tempore for the 92nd General Assembly by his colleagues. In that role, he will preside over the Senate when the Senate president is absent. “For the last couple years, I have been proud to serve my caucus as ...
The Iowa Board of Regents has made another final selection for the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa’s permanent leader after its previous choice rejected the offer. After closed-session interviews Wednesday afternoon, the board announced at its Nov. 12 meeting that UI political science associate professor Brian Lai would serve as the center’s new director. Board President Robert Cramer said in his board report that the center is getting a restart. “The Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa did not work this past year,” Cramer ...
MANSON — Local veterans were honored Wednesday morning during a Veterans Day program at Manson Northwest Webster Junior/Senior High School, led by FFA and Student Council members. “It is a day we stand and support our fellow Americans who have so proudly served our country in the armed ...
