Dayton

Dayton saw the return of the ever-popular Dayton Labor Day Pro Rodeo in September. A year after the global COVID-19 pandemic forced the rodeo to be canceled for the first time in its 85-year history, the event returned, filling up the Dayton Rodeo Grounds and neighboring Oak Park for Labor Day weekend.

Kicking off with Military Night, honoring those who have served in the armed forces past and present, the seats were full and the crowd was ready to see some action.

Cowboys held on tight during bareback riding and saddle bronc riding while their horses tried to throw them off. Things got messy during steer wrestling as recent rains made areas of the arena more like mud pits than rodeo grounds.

-Messenger file photo
Duane Ferguson, Otho mayor-elect, plugs in the lights on the Christmas tree he donated for the Otho City Park during a tree-lighting event in December. Ferguson invited families in the community to contribute ornaments for the tree.

Other events included team roping, tie down wrapping, barrel racing, bull riding and the wild horse race. For the young cowboys and cowgirls, there was mutton bustin’ and youth bull riding each night.

New this year was the Sheep Scramble for kids ages 8-12. Money was stuck to three sheep and the first to catch the sheep won the cash.

Dayton’s Volunteer Fire Department also launched its new Fire Cadet Program in October.

Fire Chief Luke Hainzinger said the program is a great way for young people to get involved in the community and learn what it takes to be a firefighter. The program is for young men and women between the ages of 16 and 18.

Fire cadets are trained and assist at fire scenes outside of the “hot zone,” Hainzinger said.

“They can help with fireground cleanup, fundraisers, work around the station, dragging hoses or running tools at a fire scene,” he said. “Less risk activities, but still assisting and being involved.”

Once cadets turn 18 years old, they have the option to become fully active firefighters.

Coalville

The unincorporated town of Coalville shared its secret to growth with IowaWatch: staying unincorporated.

“We have all the services and amenities that we want,” Webster County Supervisor Chairman Mark Campbell, who lives between Coalville and Otho, said in an interview in August. “And, we can easily run in (to Fort Dodge) and, yet, get to go home and relax with a country setting.”

Coalville’s population of 651 in the 2020 census was up 6.7 percent from 610 residents in 2010, data released in August showed. Its population is counted as a census-designated place, which is an unincorporated area with a significant concentration of residents.

Lehigh

Another event that returned was Lehigh’s River Days in June. With 2020’s celebration being canceled, this was the 39th annual event.

Some of the events were glow-in-the-dark volleyball, the Little Miss and Mr. River Days kids’ talent show, a parade, a car show and train rides on Main Street, a bags tournament and bingo, and a School Hill Bike Climb.

Otho

To cap off the year, Otho came together to enjoy the Christmas season. Otho’s newly elected mayor-to-be donated a Christmas tree for the city park at the center of town.

Duane Ferguson also teamed up with city council member-elect Mackenzie Adkins to host a Christmas tree lighting event.

Each Otho family was invited to bring an ornament to place on the tree. There was also cookie decorating and hot cocoa by the fireplace in the park shelter.