Breaking News

Local News

Conrad tapped by Reynolds for state board

Webster County Supervisor Niki Conrad has been nominated by Gov. Kim Reynolds to serve on the Iowa Workforce Development Board. Her nomination was made on March 2. “I’m honored by the governor’s appointment and am grateful for the opportunity to serve — pending Senate confirmation, of course,” said Conrad. “Workforce challenges are front and center for rural communities like ours. I look forward to both learning and contributing to this bipartisan effort.” Conrad’s appointment was placed on the Senate’s En Bloc Confirmation Calendar on March 17 with a unanimous ...

Go and Do: March 20, 2026

In Fort Dodge FORT DODGE — Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. TODAY at Holy Trinity Parish Center, 405 N. Eighth St. Dinners include fried fish, baked fish, shrimp or grilled cheese served with baked potato or french fries, coleslaw, roll, ice cream and beverages. The meal will be served dine in or carryout. Tickets for fried fish, baked fish or shrimp are $13, combo meal of fish and shrimp is $15, grilled cheese or kid’s portion is $7 for children ages 12 and under. No credit cards will be accepted. FORT DODGE — Webster County Conservation will hold Spring ...

Reinvestment district approved for downtown FD

An expanded reinvestment district that would provide up to $3.5 million for improving downtown Fort Dodge was approved Friday morning by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The money can be used for downtown building rehabilitations, housing, and public improvements. “It will bring new life to the downtown,” Mayor Dave Flattery said.

Replanting the rural landscape

Springtime will soon be making an appearance across the state of Iowa. The green is a welcome sight as trees bud out across the rural landscape. The tree line isn’t as green as it once was, however. Over the last few years, ash trees have died back significantly. This is a direct ...

Pheasants Forever to have Webster County banquet

By ERIC PRATT sports@messengernews.net A night of fun, fellowship and fundraising is on tap for the Webster County Chapter of Pheasants Forever this Saturday. The group’s 41st annual banquet takes place at the Webster County Ag Center on the Webster County Fairgrounds. Banquet Chairman Jerry Beck anticipates a crowd of around 500 people for the event, which enjoyed a growth spurt last year. “We had a terrific turnout (in 2025) and cleared the 500 mark after being right around 400 historically,” said Beck, who added that the uptick has also reached membership numbers for the ...

FDCSD, Kandiland team up

A new partnership between the Fort Dodge Community School District and a local daycare provider will keep preschoolers safe and occupied before and after their classes. Parents will have the option of having their children stay at the Kandiland Daycare Center before and after their ...