Breaking News

Local News

Senate candidate Turek visits Fort Dodge

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek described himself as a "common sense prairie populist who is working for Iowans" during a visit to Fort Dodge Wednesday morning. He said making health care more affordable and campaign finance reform will be his top priorities if he is elected. Health care, he said is a "human right." He said he will work for passage of a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which cleared the way for unlimited political spending by corporations and labor unions. Turek decried the war against Iran ...

Taking center stage with Lauren Patterson

Being on stage and in an arena have become a common occurrence for Lauren Patterson. Patterson has enjoyed her time on the musical stage, behind a microphone as well as showing her horses in the arena. Recently Patterson, a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High School. earned All-State choir ...

FD childcare center awarded $50,000

The new Sprouts Early Education & Development School in Fort Dodge recently received a $50,000 grant. The Iowa Women’s Foundation awarded the money to the school, which opened its doors to its first students in June. “We were really excited to get that,” said Elizabeth Stanek, ...

FD council adopts plan for future action

A document that lays out broad concepts, such as creating a vibrant community, and pairs them with specific actions like demolishing rundown buildings, was approved by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday. The document is called the strategic plan. City Manager David Fierke said it "guides long-term decisions.” Although the council approved the strategic plan, it did not approve any of the projects included in it. Those decisions will be made in the months and years to come. “I think it’s important that we spell out a vision — a somewhat complex strategic vision — for the ...

Foundation donates to area fire departments

Several area volunteer fire departments have received donations from Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation. Those fire departments are in Bradgate, Clarion, Dows, Early, Goldfield, Gowrie, Havelock, Lake City, Rockwell City, Rolfe and Sac City. Each department received $3,000 to help purchase tools, equipment and supplies, according to an announcement from the foundation. The foundation donated $222,000 to 65 rural fire departments. The fire department in Iowa Falls, which is the home of Iowa Select Farms and the foundation, received the largest grant of ...

Council moves to increase water, sewer bills

Increase in water and sanitary sewer bills received the initial approval of the Fort Dodge City Council Monday. Without discussion, the council approved the first readings of measures boosting those bills on Jan. 1, 2027, and again on Jan. 1, 2028. Currently, the average residential customer pays $45.41 per month for water. On Jan. 1, that figure would rise to $47.04. Then on Jan. 1, 2028, it would rise to $48.72. The average residential customer now pays $29.30 per month for sanitary sewer service. On Jan. 1, that amount would rise to $30.28. Then on Jan. 1, 2028, that ...