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Merrill scholarship winners announced

The George and Doris Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarship Fund, administered through the Fort Dodge Community Foundation announces 30 scholarship awards to area students who are attending college during the 2026-2027 academic year. Students receiving new scholarship awards include: Araya Anderson, Ames; Luke Firsching, Webster City; Tatum Harms, Fort Dodge; Arynn Luppes, Blairsburg; Makinley Nore, Fort Dodge; Sylvia Otteros, Williams; Logan Reed, Badger; Olivia Richardson, Webster City; Avery Teague, Webster City. Students receiving renewal scholarship awards include: Tanner Abbas, ...

Local jazz band season starts tonight

The 515 Big Band will commence its 2026-2027 season tonight. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Historic Phillips Auditorium, 1015 Fifth Ave. N. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15, but students will be admitted free. The 515 Big Band consists of five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, a guitar, a bass guitar, trap set and keyboard player -- all musicians from both locally and around the state of Iowa. Unlike more traditional music groups, where all music is selected by the director, in the 515 Big Band, any member can bring a chart to rehearsal for the ...

Jensen named to Dean’s List

Alex Jensen, of Eagle Grove, was named to the Dean’s List for the summer 2026 term at the University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, he had to complete at least six credits during the term and earned a grade point average of at least 3.5. The University of Maryland Global Campus offers online and hybrid courses worldwide.

Two named to SNHU President’s List

Two area students were named to the President’s List for the summer 2026 term at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. They are Devin Caquelin, of Eagle Grove, and Abby Slininger, of Badger. Both are fulltime students who earned a minimum grade point average of 3.7.

Part of South 15th Street is closed

Part of South 15th Street is closed The southbound lanes of 15th Street between First Avenue South and Fifth Avenue South are closed so that public works crews can replace concrete that had to be removed to repair a water main break. That part of the street is expected to be closed for the rest of the week. A detour has been posted.

FDCSD offers support following teacher death

The Fort Dodge Community School District has reported the weekend death of Matthew Bell, a teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High School. The district’s counselors and support staff will be available throughout the week to assist students who may need additional help. The district is asking parents to encourage their children to reach out to a teacher, counselor or other trusted adult at the school if they need help.