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News Brief

The Messenger seeks freelancers

If you want to make an impact in your community, and have a front row seat for all of its activities and developments, The Messenger has an opportunity for you. The Messenger is seeking freelance writers and photographers who will be responsible for a variety of news and feature stories. Their work will be published online and in print. These are remote work opportunities with flexible schedules. If you are interested please send a resume and a few samples of your work to Editor Bill Shea at bshea@messengernews.net.

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.

City of Fort Dodge buys backhoe

A new backhoe was purchased for the Fort Dodge Public Works Department during Monday’s City Council meeting. The John Deere machine was purchased from Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., of Fort Dodge, for $133,000. It will replace a 2014 model, which is being traded in for the new one.

Fort Dodge Public Library adult summer reading program is ‘Plant a Seed, Read!’

Fort Dodge Public Library invites adults ages 18 and older to participate in the 2026 Adult Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, Read!” This summer’s program celebrates gardening, nature, creativity, and reading with hands-on activities, educational programs, trivia, prizes, and more continuing through Aug. 22. Participants may enjoy a variety of free events and activities such as reading logs, trivia, and a guessing jar, all while earning chances to win weekly and grand prizes.

Board game afternoons at the library

The Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave.,will hold board game afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays throughout June, July, and August for casual board game afternoons at the library. Bring your own or play ours. For more information contact the library at 515-573-8167 ext. 6233 or visit our website at www.fortdodgelibrary.org.

Fort Dodge Public Library has programs and events scheduled for June

Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., has scheduled events for June. • 10 a.m. on June 13 DIY Beaded Planter Stakes & Flower Pot Painting Create your own decorative beaded planter stakes and paint a flower pot to brighten up your home or garden. • 6 p.m. on June 15 Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape: Pollinator & Perennial Month Learn about the benefits of pollinators, how to plant pollinator-friendly gardens, and how to choose the right perennials for different spaces and needs. • 7 p.m. on June 22 Emily’s Paper Crafts Discover the art of quilled ...