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Operation Merry Mulch returns to FD

The Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will once again conduct Operation Merry Mulch, a way for residents to dispose of live Christmas trees. Trees may be dropped off in the parking lot of Oleson Park at the south end of 17th Street beginning Tuesday and continuing through Jan. 28.Tree stands, nails, wire, and ornaments must be removed. City crews will reduce the trees to mulch that will be used in parks and other public areas. This will be the 33rd year for Operation Merry Mulch.

FD student named to Dean’s List

Grace Casciato, of Fort Dodge, was named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.4 with no grade below a C.

Blanden announces holiday closures

Blanden Memorial Art Museum, 920 Third Ave. S., will be closed Saturday and Tuesday in observance of Christmas. The museum will also be closed on Jan. 2, 2024, in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

Webster City school board will accept Farley resignation

WEBSTER CITY — The Webster City Community School District board will meet in a special session this morning to accept the resignation of High School Assistant Principal Patrick Farley. This meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. today at the WCCSD Administration Building, 820 Des Moines St., Webster City. According to the published agenda, Superintendent Matt Berninghaus “recommends approval of contractual matters as presented.” The contractual matter referenced is Farley’s resignation.

FDPD investigating shots fired

The Fort Dodge Police Department is investigating an incident of shots fired that happened in the 2200 block of 2 1/2 Avenue North Thursday evening. According to a release from the FDPD, officers were dispatched to that area at about 7:19 p.m. after the Webster County Telecommunications Center received multiple calls from callers reporting hearing multiple shots being fired. When officers arrived, they confirmed shots had been fired, but no injuries or damages were reported. Patrol officers located witnesses and physical evidence in the area and members of the Criminal Investigations ...

Holiday light displays wanted for photo feature

Do you know of a really cool holiday light display in your neighborhood? We want to feature it in the upcoming Countdown to Christmas photo feature. Send the addresses of exceptional light displays to bshea@messengernews.net.