News

News of record — Nov. 3, 2026

Magistrate Court WEBSTER COUNTY Monday Second-degree burglary — Robby Anthoffer, 58, 247 N. 26th St., preliminary hearing set for Nov. 12, no contact order issued. Fifth-degree theft — Robby Anthoffer, 58, 247 N. 26th St., two counts, continued 180 days. Operating while under the influence, first offense — Tomas Riegel, 59, 1222 Fifth Ave. N., preliminary hearing waived; Bryce La Daris Gully, 33, 1128 10th Ave. S.W., preliminary hearing waived. Domestic abuse assault, first offense — Ronald L. Rowe, 77, 902 S. 21st St., pre-trial conference set for Dec. ...

Lahn makes culture his top issue

Zach Lahn, the Republican nominee for governor, told a Fort Dodge audience Monday afternoon that his campaign is all about the culture of Iowa. He spoke to about 60 people at Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub, working to motivate Republican voters in the final hours of the general election ...

Mark Davis — Navy, Army National Guard: Fort Dodge man served twice in Kuwait

Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Nov. 6, 2025, edition of The Messenger. Mark Davis did something during his military career that is surely a rarity among veterans all across the country. The Fort Dodge man served in Kuwait in two different branches of the United States military in two different conflicts. As a Navy sailor, he served there as part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991. As an Iowa Army National Guard soldier, he served there for 18 months in 2003 and 2004. "I am quite unique," Davis said. Altogether, he served his country for ...

From our files: November 2011

THE FINAL NOTE

Larry Mitchell, who was the driving force behind musical theater in Fort Dodge for about 42 years, died Friday night. His death was confirmed by friends and several organizations, including Comedia Musica Players, the theater troupe he established, and the Fort Dodge Community School ...

2026 general election is here

After months of campaigning, the 2026 general election has arrived. In Webster County, voters can cast their ballots from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Webster County Courthouse. All polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. A list of polling places and a map showing their locations is on page AX of today’s edition of The Messenger. Voters in and around Webster County will be picking a U.S. senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a governor, members of the state House of Representatives, and various other state and county officials. The ballot also ...