News

Disaster proclamation issued for Kossuth County

ALGONA — Kossuth County received a disaster proclamation from Gov. Kim Reynolds, allowing state resources to be used to help in recovering from severe weather that struck on Friday. The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $7,000 to households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federally-designated poverty level. Those grants can be used for home or vehicle repairs, replacement of personal property, buying food and temporary housing expenses. Reynolds also issued disaster proclamations for Cherokee, Clay, ...

From our files: May 2011

Stewart Memorial celebrates expanded behavioral health services space

LAKE CITY — Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and open house for its new Pod D Behavioral Health Services space at the Lake City Clinic. Community members, staff, health care leaders, and local officials gathered to celebrate the expansion of behavioral health services and Stewart Memorial’s continued commitment to increasing access to mental health care in rural Iowa. Stewart Memorial leadership also highlighted the challenges many rural communities face in accessing timely behavioral health services, including provider shortages, ...

Man sentenced in 2025 homicide case

A man was sent to prison for 50 years Friday for the September 2025 shooting death of another man last September in Fort Dodge. Rolman Humberto Recinos Gonzalez, 39, of Fort Dodge, was arrested in connection with the Sept. 2, 2025, shooting of Justo Galindo Cruz, 45, of Fort Dodge, in the ...

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.

News of Record: May 22, 2026

Police Log FORT DODGE Wednesday Disorderly conduct was reported in the 700 block of Avenue C. A noise violation was reported in the 900 block of South 16th Street. Disorderly conduct was reported at K Street and Avenue C. A vehicle hit an animal at Second Avenue South and Third Street. A theft was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South. A vehicle accident was reported in the 300 block of First Avenue South. A civil dispute was reported in the 1400 block of Fifth Avenue North. A parking complaint was reported in the 10 block of South 17th Street. A vehicle ...