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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 ...

Man pleads guilty in Kossuth Co. pursuit

ALGONA — A man who led law enforcement officers on a vehicle pursuit in northern Kossuth County in January has entered a guilty plea that will apparently spare him from prison, according to court records. Jose L. Renteria, 41, of Lakota, pleaded guilty to eluding, second or subsequent offense, court records show. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he would be sentenced to a five-year prison term, which would be suspended, and four years of probation. He would also have to pay a $1,025 fine, plus any restitution. The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office has entered a claim of ...

Grant awarded for Lohrville spray pad

LOHRVILLE — The City of Lohrville was awarded a $53,000 state Community Attraction and Tourism grant to build a 1,550-square-foot spray pad at Lohrville City Park, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The project will include approximately 20 interactive water features for multiple age groups and abilities, supported by a recirculation system to collect, treat and reuse water. As the first spray pad in Calhoun County, it will expand recreational access and enhance regional quality of life. The total project cost is $178,897.

No paper Monday due to the holiday

The Messenger will not be published on Monday in commemoration of the Presidents Day holiday. The Messenger office will be open Monday during normal business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check www.messengernews.net over the weekend for breaking news. The Messenger will resume publication on Tuesday.

Dayton Community Club plans fundraiser

DAYTON — The Dayton Community Club will hold its membership drive and fundraiser meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Feb. 22 in the Dayton Community Center. The menu will be chili and a baked potato bar. Free will donations will be accepted. All proceeds from the meal will be used for playground equipment at Oak Park. Those who wish to donate to the club should contact Jody at Security State Bank. The Dayton Community Club consists of neighbors working together to improve the town. The club’s projects include the Dayton Expo, Ladies Night Out, Old Engine Day, food stands at the ...