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Nominations for Hometown Pride wanted

The Messenger is seeking nominations for its annual publication called Hometown Pride. Do you know someone who has an interesting story to tell? Perhaps they have a long track record of civic and public service. Or maybe they have an interesting and unique hobby. Or perhaps they have had some fascinating experiences they’re willing to talk about. The Messenger would like to highlight them in the annual magazine. If you know someone worth featuring in this publication, please send some information about them and ways to contact them to bshea@messengernews.net.

Decoration rules for city cemeteries announced

Grave site decorations will be permitted in the Fort Dodge city-owned cemeteries three days prior to Memorial Day, according to an announcement from the Public Areas Department. Decorations will be removed and disposed of seven days after Memorial Day. The three cemeteries are Oakland Cemetery on North 15th Street, North Lawn Cemetery on North 15th Street, and Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery at Fifth Avenue South and 32nd Street. The post Memorial Day cleanup of those cemeteries will begin June 2. All flowers and decorations not in permanent bases will be removed. Items that ...

Disaster proclamation issued for Pocahontas County

POCAHONTAS — Pocahontas County received a disaster proclamation from Gov. Kim Reynolds, allowing state resources to be used to help in recovering from severe weather that struck on Friday. The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $7,000 to households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federally-designated poverty level. Those grants can be used for home or vehicle repairs, replacement of personal property, buying food and temporary housing expenses. Reynolds also issued disaster proclamations for Emmet, Hancock, ...

Nominations for Hometown Profiles sought

The Messenger is seeking nominations for its annual publication now called Hometown Profiles. Do you know someone who has an interesting story to tell? Perhaps they have a long track record of civic and public service. Or maybe they have an interesting and unique hobby. Or perhaps they have had some fascinating experiences they’re willing to talk about. The Messenger would like to highlight them in the annual magazine once called Hometown Pride. If you know someone worth featuring in this publication, please send some information about them and ways to contact them to ...

Fort Dodge man eludes police, then claims truck was stolen

A man who led police on a pursuit in his pickup and later falsely reported that same truck as being stolen from him faces multiple criminal charges, according to court records. According to the criminal complaints filed against him, Gregory J. Marshall, 29, of 1923 Second Ave. N., fled from police while driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado on March 11. Then on March 30, he falsely reported that truck as stolen, criminal complaints state. Marshall was arrested by Fort Dodge police and charged with: • Eluding, speed over 25 mph over limit. • False report of an indictable offense ...

Derailment reported in FD

Four train cars went off the tracks in a Fort Dodge railyard early Thursday morning. The derailment occurred in an area of the Canadian National Railway yard south of Second Avenue South. There were no reports of injuries, leaks or fires, according to Michelle Hannan, a spokeswoman for the railroad. She added that no grade crossings were blocked. The derailed cars have been removed and the tracks appeared to be repaired on Friday. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by the railroad, according to Hannan.