News

Area youth learn about Iowa agriculture

Local News May 6, 2026

By KELLI BLOOMQUIST WEBSTER CITY — More than 600 students from three area counties - Hamilton, Humboldt, and Webster - converged on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds recently to learn about Iowa agriculture. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach welcomed fifth grade students from 10 local schools including Duncombe Elementary, Southeast Valley, and St. Edmond Catholic School for hands-on agricultural learning opportunities. During the four day event, students: Toured the Iowa Corn trailer Learned about flowers and soil with Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape, of Fort ...

Paivarinta pleads guilty to non-forcible felony charge

Local News May 6, 2026

A Fort Dodge man charged with making threats of terrorism has agreed to a plea agreement and a lesser charge. According to court documents, last week 27-year-old Daniel Paivarinta pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony. Paivarinta was charged last May after the ...

Firefighters battle blaze in ravine

Local News May 6, 2026

OTHO — Fire departments from throughout the area responded to a mid-morning Tuesday fire near Franks Auto Salvage, 2289 Gypsum Hollow Road. According to Otho Fire Chief Marty Smith, his department received the call around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday for a fire that was spreading quickly and was ...

Local News May 6, 2026

Cheryl Fleming faces daily physical challenges living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). However, a recent charitable benefit event dramatically improved her quality of life by funding her purchase of a new wheelchair-accessible van. A 61-year-old longtime resident of Fort Dodge, ...

News of Record: May 6, 2026

News of record May 6, 2026

Police Log FORT DODGE Monday A suspicious person was reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Avenue North. A fight was reported in the 1600 block of Seventh Avenue North. A welfare check was conducted in the 200 block of K Street. A welfare check was conducted in the 1500 block of Fourth Avenue South. A welfare check was conducted in the 1200 block of 26th Avenue North. Illegal dumping was reported in the 1800 block of First Avenue South. A person with a weapon was reported in the 1100 block of Fifth Avenue North. A suspicious person was reported in the 400 block of ...

42nd annual Farmers Market to open June 13

Local News May 6, 2026

The Fort Dodge Farmers Market will open to the public on June 13, according to Director David Ash, who spoke to the Webster County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. “We’re really excited about this upcoming season,” said Ash, who noted that this is the 42nd year of the original Fort Dodge Area Farmers Market. “I would highly encourage everyone to come out,” he said. “On Saturdays we’ll go from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.. We have some really great vendors that will be there again this year, and we’re just looking forward to seeing ...