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FD Police Dept. adds two new officers

The Fort Dodge Police Department has two new officers. Keaton Peart and Brandon Mills were introduced to the City Council Monday. Peart was most recently a corrections officer at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. He is a graduate of St. Edmond High School, Iowa Central Community College and Buena Vista University. He is a son of the late Tom Peart, who was a Fort Dodge firefighter. Mills is a native of Otho and a graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School. He is a martial arts fighter and trainer. Peart and Mills will fill vacancies in the department.

Christmas bird count Saturday

The Webster County Birding will hold an annual Christmas bird count Saturday. Those participating should meet at 7:30 a.m. at Tom Thumb, 1412 A St., for coordinates and breakfast. Bring a bird identification book and binoculars. Counters will meet back at Tom Thumb at noon to do the tally. Email webstercobirding@gmail.com for more information.

Open house will focus on future of Sacred Heart building

The Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission will hold an open house to discuss the future of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S. Learn more about the project, share your ideas, and enjoy some light refreshments. This event is being held as a part of the Historic Structures Report and rehabilitation plan currently being developed, which is funded by grants from Iowa Certified Local Government Program and the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust. For questions about the open house email: ...

No paper Thursday due to the holiday

The Messenger will not be published on Thursday in commemoration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Check www.messengernews.net throughout the day for breaking news updates. The Messenger will resume publication on Friday.

Club Roundup: Week of Nov. 25

Service clubs Fort Dodge Noon Rotary: Noon Monday, Shiny Top Brewing, 520 Central Ave. Daybreak Rotary Club: 7 a.m. Tuesday, board room, Triton Cafe, Iowa Central Community College. Fort Dodge Noon Kiwanis: Noon Tuesday, Pizza Ranch, 3311 Fifth Ave. S. Noon Lions: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, The Lion’s Den, 731 Exposition Drive. Alcohol dependency Alano Club: 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, 1408 Fifth Ave. S. Al-Anon Family Group: Noon Sunday, 1408 Fifth Ave. S. Al-Anon Family Group: Noon Monday, First United Methodist Church, 127 N. 10th St. Al-Anon Family Group: 5 p.m. ...

FD preschool registration to begin Dec. 6

The Fort Dodge Community School District and the Early Childhood Center have released preschool registration details for the 2025-2026 school year. Preschool registration is in-person at the Fort Dodge Community School District’s Central Office, located at 109 N. 25th St. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration begins Dec. 6. Central Office will be open 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. The following information is required for registration to be complete: • Proof of guardianship. • Proof of address and student age. • Immunization ...