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Three stars Tribute Day Friday at Surf ballroom

CLEAR LAKE — The Surf Ballroom will host an historic all-day event celebrating the enduring legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper on Friday. The event will feature the unveiling of three life-size bronze statues honoring the three rock & roll pioneers, a "Three Stars Tribute" album release, a one-of-a-kind music concert, bringing together artists and performers connected to the music that helped shape rock & roll history, and the annual C.L.A.S.S. Car Cruise around Clear Lake. Starting at 11 a.m., guests will gather for the unveiling of the three newly statues ...

Meth crimes send FD man to federal prison

A Fort Dodge man convicted of several felonies who led police on two high speed pursuits is heading to federal prison. Ray S. Hollers, 31, was sentenced Tuesday to 18 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa. Federal prosecutors reported that on March 20, Hollers pleaded guilty to: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine Two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine Possession of firearms by a prohibited person Possession of a firearm in ...

EMT program approved for new grants

The emergency medical technician program at Iowa Central Community College is the first course in the nation to offer its students a new form of federal financial aid. “I’m thrilled to announce that the Iowa Central EMT program is making history as the first approved Workforce Pell ...

New LifeFlight helicopter coming to Fort Dodge

A new LifeFlight helicopter will be coming to Fort Dodge this fall. The helicopter now in use will be replaced with a new one called a Bell 429. The new chopper will be faster and provide more room for treating patients. Its acquisition is part of a fleet modernization effort and Air ...

Grassley bankruptcy bill passes Senate

A change in bankruptcy laws U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley said will benefit families and small businesses has been unanimously approved by the Senate. The Iowa Republican and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, wrote the bill. It is called the Bankruptcy Theshold Adjustment Act of 2026. The measure restores previous debt limits that were included in the complex federal bankruptcy laws. “Our nation’s bankruptcy code should work for Americans, not against them,” Grassley said in a written statement. “By eliminating barriers to reorganization and restoring modern debt limits , the ...

Street closures for Country Jam announced

Parts of several downtown streets will be closed before, during and after the Fort Dodge Country jam concert. Ninth Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue North will close at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and will remain closed until 3 p.m. Sunday. Central Avenue between Eighth and 10th streets will close at 8 a.m. Friday Ninth Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue South will be closed at 8 a.m. Friday and will reopen at 4 a.m. Sunday.