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Hayek seeks reelection to Board of Supervisors

Webster County Supervisor Austin Hayek is seeking a second term in office. Hayek, who is the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, has declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in District 1. “I am seeking reelection to further build upon the progress achieved in Webster County,” he said in a written statement. “There are significant opportunities to continue to drive improvement in infrastructure, conserve natural resources, promote quality of life projects, advance economic development that supports the vitality of our communities as well as the wellbeing of our ...

Feenstra outlines his plan for Iowa

In his first visit to Fort Dodge to campaign for governor, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra said Wednesday that he wants to make Iowa the “most business- and ag-friendly state in the nation.” The Republican from Hull said his formula for doing that includes cutting property taxes and getting ...

‘He made the world a better place’

Many people knew Justin Faiferlick as a member of the Fort Dodge unit of the Iowa Air National Guard. Still others knew him as their martial arts and fitness instructor. Regardless of what role they encountered him in, Faiferlick left a deep and positive impression on people. “Justin is one of those people you look at and say “I hope my son can be like him one day,” said retired Lt. Col. Dick Breitbach, who was the commander of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge. “Justin touched so many lives, and he made the world a better place,” he ...

Conrad seeks third term as Webster County supervisor

Niki Conrad is seeking a third term on the Webster County Board of Supervisors. A Democrat, she represents District 4, which is the central and northern parts of Fort Dodge. She was first elected in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. “County government works best when decisions are made thoughtfully, transparently and with the long-term interests of our communities in mind,” she said in a written statement. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done and am committed to building on that progress.” She said that during her time on the board, she worked with fellow supervisors and ...

Making it real

BADGER — Zach was complaining of chest pain when a couple of Badger volunteer firefighters arrived on scene Tuesday evening. Then things went from bad to worse — he stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating. A small group of firefighters quickly started CPR, set up an ...

Supervisors approve hiring county EMS coordinator

The Webster County Supervisors approved hiring Scott Richards as the county’s new EMS coordinator Tuesday. His hiring was recommended by the county’s EMS Advisory Council, which unanimously approved him on March 4. Richards, a Lifeflight paramedic and paramedic instructor, will have a starting salary of $85,000. His start date is still to be determined. Establishing the new EMS coordinator position was part of the plan for the EMS essential service tax approved by the voters in March 2025. The coordinator will not be in charge of the EMS agencies in the county. Instead, the ...