News

Lumsden to be honored in Rose Parade

A Fort Dodge girl whose organs were donated after her 2024 death will be remembered during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Amyrra Lumsden will be recognized as Iowa’s organ donor Floragraph honoree, according to the Iowa Donor Network. Floragraphs are handcrafted floral portraits displayed on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. Each portrait honors an organ donor whose gift of life has impacted others. Approximately 30 donor Floragraphs are featured on the float each year. These intricate works of art are created from natural materials such as seeds, spices, flowers ...

From our files: October 2011

Jury finds FD man guilty of sexually related offense

A Webster County jury found a Fort Dodge man guilty of a sexual offense. According to court documents, John Bierwag, 42, was found guilty in Webster County District Court earlier this week of continuous sexual abuse of a child. He was arrested in October 2025 and has been in the Webster County Jail since then. His trial began Tuesday and ended Wednesday. “I’m thankful for the hard work done on this case by law enforcement and that the jury returned a quick verdict that ensures justice for the victim in this case,” said Webster County Assistant County Attorney Bailey ...

A lesson in giving

BURNSIDE — For Southeast Valley Middle School seventh graders, the lessons in “The Hunger Games” extend well beyond the pages of a book. They are an opportunity to help their neighbors and peers stock their pantry shelves and meet basic needs. As students read Suzanne Collins’ novel, ...

Two hurt in Fifth Avenue South crash

Two people were injured in a crash at Fifth Avenue South and 30th Street early Friday afternoon. The crash left one vehicle on its side. Firefighters had to cut the roof of that vehicle to free the occupants. Several blocks of Fifth Avenue South were closed to traffic because of the crash.

UNI president announces 2027 retirement

By BROOKLYN DRAISEY University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook has announced his upcoming retirement as the institution celebrates record-breaking fundraising and 150 years in existence. The Cedar Falls university president, who began his tenure in February 2017, shared with the UNI community Friday morning his intentions to retire at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year with the commitment to stay at UNI until his successor arrives. Nook said in a news release from the institution that serving UNI and the state has been “one of the greatest privileges” of he and his wife, ...