The Messenger will not publish a physical paper on Monday in commemoration of the Columbus Day holiday. There will be an e-edition. Check www.messengernews.net throughout the day for breaking news updates. The Messenger will resume publication on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service is warning that weather conditions this weekend will create high fire danger. Unseasonably warm weather with dry conditions and gusty winds will lead to increased fire danger, especially in cropland on Saturday, the agency reported. Fires can spread rapidly once started. Burning is discouraged and extra caution should be taken when using farming and outdoor equipment. Temperatures will be near-record highs in northern Iowa on Saturday. Temperatures will approach 90 degrees in the northwest and be in the upper 80s elsewhere.
Additional charges have been filed against a Fort Dodge mother related to the alleged abuse of her baby, according to court records. Rebekah Prewitt, 23, of 315 Haskell St., was arrested by Fort Dodge police earlier this month and charged with 15 counts of child endangerment, bodily injury. The Webster County Attorney’s Office recently filed additional revised charges against her. According to court records, she now stands accused of: • 18 counts of aiding and abetting child endangerment, torture or cruelty, bodily injury • 18 counts of aiding and abetting assault causing ...
A Fort Dodge man faces multiple criminal charges after he reportedly forced his way into a home and beat up the woman who lives there. Fort Dodge police reported that Brian D. Vaughn Jr., 42, forced his way into a residence in the 300 block of South Eighth Street at about 5:14 a.m. Wednesday. Once inside, he punched a woman multiple times, officers wrote in criminal complaints. The woman suffered bruises to her head and face, plus pain in her arms and ribs. According to court records, Vaughn was arrested and charged with: • Second degree burglary • Willful injury causing ...
Two area men have been named to a panel that will recommend students from northwestern Iowa for admission to the U.S. military academies. They are: • Ryan Hildreth, of Manson, who is a pilot with the Iowa Air National Guard • Jesse Ulrich, of Fort Dodge, who is president of Iowa Central Community College They join six other people on the 2025 Military Academy Selection Board for the Fourth Congressional District. The members were selected by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull. “This is a consequential and important task and I appreciate these Iowans for lending their time ...
One westbound lane and the center turn lane of Fifth Avenue South between 23rd and 25th streets will be closed today, according to city officials. The closure is expected to remain in place until Sept. 29. Traffic signals at Fifth Avenue South and 25th Street will be set to flashing red. The closure is necessary to install a new 12-inch water main valve.