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UNI president announces 2027 retirement

By BROOKLYN DRAISEY University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook has announced his upcoming retirement as the institution celebrates record-breaking fundraising and 150 years in existence. The Cedar Falls university president, who began his tenure in February 2017, shared with the UNI community Friday morning his intentions to retire at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year with the commitment to stay at UNI until his successor arrives. Nook said in a news release from the institution that serving UNI and the state has been “one of the greatest privileges” of he and his wife, ...

Go and Do: Oct. 23, 2026

Around the area LEHIGH — Lord’s Portion Supper and Bake Sale is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. SATURDAY at the Lehigh United Methodist Church, 386 Spencer Hill St. Meal includes Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, salad, roll, pie and drink. Meal is $15 for adults, $7 for those ...

Two hurt in Fifth Avenue South crash

Two people were injured in a crash at Fifth Avenue South and 30th Street early Friday afternoon. The crash left one vehicle on its side. Firefighters had to cut the roof of that vehicle to free the occupants. Several blocks of Fifth Avenue South were closed to traffic because of the crash.

Celebrating with music

A group of Duncombe Elementary School students got to learn some new dance moves to the music of a live mariachi band Wednesday morning. The concert and dance lesson concluded the Fort Dodge school’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. “The feeling and kind of the vibe throughout ...

Casciato sings in Dolly Parton tribute

Local residents who watched Wednesday’s tribute to the late Dolly Parton may have spotted a familiar face on stage. Grace Casciato, of Fort Dodge, was one of the backup singers during one portion of the show. The daughter of Gabriel and Wendy Casciato is a senior majoring in commercial ...

DSAOC plans fundraisers

With October designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, several individuals, groups and businesses have stepped forward to help support the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge (D/SAOC). This Friday, several local businesses will participate in a Jeans Day Fundraiser. For a $5 donation to D/SAOC, employees or staff members can wear jeans to work for the day. D/SAOC staff also encourage people to wear purple on Jeans Day to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Any business that would like to participate can contact Leah Bair, the D/SAOC program ...