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Zion Lutheran invites grant applications

GOWRIE — The Zion Endowed Benevolence Team of Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie, is soliciting grant applications for 2026. The purpose of the Endowed Benevolence Program is to extend and enrich the kingdom of God by witnessing in word and deed to people in need both directly and through organized efforts or organizations, especially those not having their own planned giving programs. This program is not intended to provide support for capital expenditures. The focus of the program is on providing support for programs that directly touch the lives of those in need. Grants will be ...

One hurt in motorcycle crash

LEHIGH — One man was hurt when his motorcycle crashed on a rural road in southern Webster County Monday night. The crash happened at 8:05 p.m. on 290th Street near Brushy Creek Road. Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener said Bradley Alexander, of Fort Dodge, was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he went around a curve and lost control. He said the motorcycle went into the ditch on the north side of the road. Alexander was taken to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. The Lehigh Fire Department, Dayton Rescue Squad and an ambulance from the Fort Dodge ...

Cash for Cougars Phone-a-thon is Monday

The annual Manson Northwest Webster Cash for Cougars Phone-a-thon will take place on Monday. The 2026 Manson Northwest Webster graduating senior class will phone area residents for pledges for scholarships for post secondary education expenses. Calling starts at 5:30 p.m.

McGuire Bend Road is closed

LEHIGH — McGuire Bend Road between 320th Street and Sara Avenue is closed and will be closed until further notice, according to the Webster County Road Department. This closure impacts about five miles of road.

Controlled burns planned at Brushy Creek

LEHIGH — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that prescribed burning will be taking place at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area from mid-March through May. Detailed plans are created for each burn area and safety is always the No. 1 consideration in the timing and design of each burn. Prescribed burns typically begin in mid- to late morning and are completed by late afternoon or early evening. Burns will be conducted on a day that meets the objectives and weather conditions defined in the burn plan. Fire is a vital land management tool that is used to improve ...

FD man charged with sex crimes

A Fort Dodge man has been arrested and charged with seeking “implied explicit photos” of a child over the course of about three years, according to court records. Sean L. Draper, 38, of 1022 Ave. C, is charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and enticing a minor under 16, court records indicate. His actions began in January 2022, when the child was 13 years old, and continued through November 2025, Fort Dodge Police Department detectives wrote in the criminal complaints filed against him. Draper was arrested Sunday at his home. He made his initial appearance in Webster ...