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Old-Timers Chili Cook Off is today

The Old Timers Chili Cook Off will be held today at 528 S. 12th St. Chili will be cooked the "old-fashioned way" over an open fire. Cooking starts at noon, with tasting and judging at 5 p.m. For more information, call Chuck Reetz at 515-269-7960. For a $5 donation, attendees will receive a bowl, spoon and judging ballot. "Judges’ Choice” chilis receive: $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. People’s Choice winners receive trophies for first, second and third place.

Reservations due for FD Women’s Connection meeting

Fort Dodge Women's Connection invites all area women to a brunch at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Tea Thyme, 2021 Sixth Ave. S. Reservations must be made by today by calling Vickey at 515-571-5380 or Kathy at 515-408-7981. Cost is $15 inclusive. The speaker is Judi Rauscher from Sioux Falls, S.D. Her talk is titled "The Pictures of Life." Her story includes not only some wrong choices and consequences but a compelling story of victory and fulfillment. The special feature is Landra Carroll, who will highlight the upcoming Comedia Musica Players show "Come From Away." It is a true story about ...

FDSH homecoming parade is Friday

The Fort Dodge Senior High School homecoming parade will proceed down Central Avenue Friday afternoon. It will begin at 3 p.m. Central Avenue between 15th Street and the City Square will be closed to traffic at 2:30 p.m., according to an announcement from the Police Department. Any vehicles parked on Central Avenue must be moved by 2 p.m. Parking in city parking lots will be free from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Reptiles & Amphibians at Discovery Center

Jim White, The Natural Naturalist, will be at the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center at 10 a.m. today. He will bring live reptiles and amphibians for a hands-on opportunity to learn about these creatures. The Discovery Center is located at 20 N. First St. in Fort Dodge.

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 ...