Breaking News

Heartland Hope & Homes buys building

Heartland Hope & Homes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting housing opportunities, finally owns its own building in downtown Fort Dodge. The organization announced Wednesday that it has purchased the building at 118 N. 12th St. from the Steven G. and Carol J. Pederson ...

Nominations for Hometown Pride wanted

The Messenger is seeking nominations for its annual publication called Hometown Pride. Do you know someone who has an interesting story to tell? Perhaps they have a long track record of civic and public service. Or maybe they have an interesting and unique hobby. Or perhaps they have had some fascinating experiences they’re willing to talk about. The Messenger would like to highlight them in the annual magazine. If you know someone worth featuring in this publication, please send some information about them and ways to contact them to bshea@messengernews.net.

The Messenger seeks freelancers

If you want to make an impact in your community, and have a front row seat for all of its activities and developments, The Messenger has an opportunity for you. The Messenger is seeking freelance writers and photographers who will be responsible for a variety of news and feature stories. Their work will be published online and in print. These are remote work opportunities with flexible schedules. If you are interested please send a resume and a few samples of your work to Editor Bill Shea at bshea@messengernews.net.

News of record: June 10, 2026

Magistrate Court WEBSTER COUNTY Tuesday Driving while barred — Holly A. Klinger, 43, 826 First Ave. N., failed to appear, arrest warrant issued. Operating while under the influence, first offense — Jacob A. Klaassen, 21, Fort Dodge, preliminary hearing waived. Fifth-degree theft — Kim M. Soetebeer, 69, Fort Dodge, continued until July 9. Possession of drug paraphernalia — Aron G. Gedei, 19, Farnhamville, continued 180 days. Possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, first offense — Aron G. Gedei, 19, Farnhamville, preliminary hearing waived. Failure to appear for ...

City of Fort Dodge buys backhoe

A new backhoe was purchased for the Fort Dodge Public Works Department during Monday’s City Council meeting. The John Deere machine was purchased from Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., of Fort Dodge, for $133,000. It will replace a 2014 model, which is being traded in for the new one.

Council moves to address FD traffic light woes

Relief is on the way for drivers who feel they get stopped at traffic lights on First Avenue South for what seems like an endless amount of time. The City Council on Monday bought a new traffic signal control system for five intersections. Those intersections are: • First Avenue South and Seventh Street. • First Avenue South and Eighth Street. • First Avenue South and Ninth Street. • Kenyon Road and Avenue E. • 20th Avenue North and 15th Street. “These five intersections are experiencing traffic signal issues leading to undue delay for the motoring public,” ...