LEHIGH — To continue an Iowa New Year’s Day tradition, Dolliver Memorial State Park in Webster County will be the site of a First Day Hike on Thursday. The one-mile hike will be guided by a park staff member. It will start at 9 a.m. at the center lodge. The hike will go along the south side of Boneyard Hollow and back along the Des Moines River. The hike will be on a four-foot wide mixed surface trail with some hills.
Eighth Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue South will be closed during daylight hours Monday through Friday, according to an announcement from the city engineering staff.
Several area students received academic honors for the fall 2025 quarter and semester terms at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines. The following students earned a grade point average of 3.75 and were named to the Presidents List: • Elsie Hubbell, Fort Dodge • Carly Janssen, Gilmore City The following students earned a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.749 and were named to the Deans List: • Addyson Beaulieu, Duncombe • Reece Kemna, Algona • Hailey Kron, Algona • Sydney Palm, Fort Dodge • Alaysha Ross, Fort Dodge
Operation Ornament, a program of Swingin’ Fore Soldiers, will take people for a ride on the Polar Express during an event today, Saturday and Sunday at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N. The event hours are noon to 7 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. There will be an adults only cocktail time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Families will have the opportunity to see more than 40 different Christmas trees with a “Polar Express” theme. Santa Claus will be present and there will be an opportunity to make some arts and crafts projects. Hot ...
STRATFORD — Stratford Lutheran Church, 812 Teneyck Ave., Stratford, is holding Svenska Klubben Christmas luncheon at 7 p.m. today. There will be a short program for Luciadagen (St. Lucia Day), one of Sweden’s most beloved holidays. Those attending will learn about the history of St. Lucia and join in singing some traditional songs. Immediately following the program is a Christmas luncheon. Both events will be held in the church’s social room. Meats and tableware will be provided. Bring a side dish, a salad or a dessert (or all three).
The Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., is hosting a December adult DIY from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday to make honeycomb ornaments. What better way to get into the festive spirit than an afternoon of ornament making. These honeycomb ornaments will be perfect to hang on your trees. For more information, contact the library at 515-573-8167, ext. 6233, or visit the library website at www.fortdodgelibrary.org.