Parts of two downtown streets will be closed Saturday for the Fort Dodge Pride Festival. Central Avenue will be closed between 10th and 12th streets. Also, 11th Street will be closed between First Avenue North and First Avenue South.
BARNUM — The bridge on Fairbanks Avenue near 205th Street has been closed due to a structural issue, according to the Webster County Road Department. The bridge will remain closed until repairs can be made.
MANSON — The connection of the Manson water system to the Fort Dodge water system has been postponed until Monday or Tuesday, according to an announcement from the City Clerk’s Office. The connection that will send Fort Dodge water to Manson was expected to be completed Wednesday. About nine miles of water main now link the two communities. Starting a booster pump in Manson will be the last step in making the connection.
OTHO — A boil water advisory has been issued for the city of Otho beginning today until further notice, according to the Webster County Emergency Management Agency. The advisory has been issued in response to work on the city’s water tower.
Two new Fort Dodge police officers have been hired. Constancio Gomez is a native of California who graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. He is a veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard, who is pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice. Ethan Krieger is a native of Kamrar and graduate of Northeast Hamilton High School. He has worked for the Hamilton County Jail, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Eldora Police Department. Both were introduced to the City Council Monday.
The annual Lunch on Central returns in 2026 on the last Friday of June, July and August. Hosted by Main Street Fort Dodge, board members, local volunteers and business sponsors team up to serve a delicious and affordable meal in the heart of downtown. The event is held in the parking lot in the 700 block of Central Avenue between The Messenger and the Webster County Courthouse. Meals are $8, with outdoor seating or takeout available. Desserts from a local nonprofit organization are available for purchase. The menu for the first lunch this Friday includes a pork burger or tenderloin, ...