Fort Dodge Messenger

02/16/2025

02/16/2025

02/16/2025

A parking prohibition will automatically go into effect on all Commercial Emergency Snow Routes from 8:00 pm tomorrow, Sunday, February 16, 2025, until 8:00 am on Monday, February 17, 2025. Any vehicles that remain parked along the commercial routes after 8:00 pm tomorrow night will be towed, so please be sure to move them into City lots away from existing snow piles. If additional clean-up is required beyond tomorrow night, we will reissue the Commercial Emergency Snow Route with more details.
To view an interactive map of all emergency snow routes, please visit https://bit.ly/fdsnowroutes.

02/15/2025

One critical component of ensuring the safety and well-being of Fort Dodge citizens is emergency medical services (EMS), which, despite its integral role in public safety, is not currently classified as an essential service. This leaves the community vulnerable and exposes local businesses to potential risks in the event of an emergency.

One critical component of ensuring the safety and well-being of Fort Dodge citizens is emergency medical services (EMS), which, despite its integral role in public safety, is not currently classified as an essential service. This leaves the community vulnerable and exposes local businesses to potent...

02/15/2025

CANCELLATIONS:
The Dayton American Legion's chili supper with free will donation scheduled from 5-7 P.M. Saturday has been canceled due to weather.

The Harcourt Activity Club's Valentine's Concert at the Harcourt Community Center Saturday evening has been canceled due to weather.

The Karl L. King Band concert scheduled for Sunday has been canceled due to weather.

02/15/2025

SATURDAY MORNING - 9:45 AM UPDATE

🏘️ Crews are starting to move into residentials. If you can move your vehicle off the street, please do so. Plows will not go down streets they cannot safely maneuver.

🚧 If you live on a dead end or cul-de-sac, please continue to be patient. We use other equipment to clear these areas.

🚫 Tows are still happening on residential emergency snow routes.

02/15/2025

Paul Johnson, of Gowrie, spent Sunday, July 28, 2024, as he normally did, attending church services, golfing in the afternoon, and enjoying BBQ ribs with his family.

But later that day while watching the Olympics in his basement, he suddenly felt a lump in his throat, had severe indigestion, and broke out into a cold sweat.

Johnson’s daughter, who is a nurse, was at their home and told him that he was having a heart attack. A team from Southwest Webster Emergency Medical Service was at Johnson’s home within minutes to transport him to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

Johnson said he remembers speaking with the EMT and ambulance driver as they made the turn from Callender to U.S. Highway 169 and then, he said, his heart flatlined twice. Johnson and his family were later told that he had a widowmaker heart attack.

“If it weren’t for the Southwest Webster ambulance service, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Johnson. “I know that for certain.”

Editor’s note: This is the third part of a six part series on the March 4 vote on a tax for emergency medical services. Paul Johnson, of Gowrie, spent Sunday, July 28, 2024, as he normally did, attending church services, golfing in the afternoon, and enjoying BBQ ribs with his family. But later th...

02/15/2025

One of the region’s popular events returns to the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center on March 8.

According to Facing Autism, Inc., of Fort Dodge board member Michelle Hammersland, the fourth annual A Night of Glitz and Glamour for special needs individuals is hoping to bring another three-digit-plus crowd.

One of the region’s popular events returns to the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center on March 8. According to Facing Autism, Inc., of Fort Dodge board member Michelle Hammersland, the fourth annual A Night of Glitz and Glamour for special needs individuals is hoping to bring another three-digit-plu...

02/15/2025

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is thinking out-of-the-box with technology to clear eight years of case logs so more than 1,200 individuals can serve court-ordered time for a variety of non-violent offenses.

According to Webster County Chief Deputy Derek Christie, the Sheriff’s Office will soon begin an ankle monitoring program that will allow individuals needing to serve time for operating while under the influence and driving offenses the chance to do so by wearing an ankle monitor.

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is thinking out-of-the-box with technology to clear eight years of case logs so more than 1,200 individuals can serve court-ordered time for a variety of non-violent offenses. According to Webster County Chief Deputy Derek Christie, the Sheriff’s Office will s...

02/15/2025

WEBSTER CITY — A trial date has been set for a Webster City man charged with first degree murder in the death of a 10-month-old infant.

WEBSTER CITY — A trial date has been set for a Webster City man charged with first degree murder in the death of a 10-month-old infant. Gunner Michael Jones, 26, will go before a jury in Hamilton County District Court on Sept. 30 for his alleged role in the April 2023 death of the infant […]

02/15/2025

ROCKWELL CITY — Trent Blair has been a Rockwell City area pig farmer for many years.

Despite his success on the country side, he and his family decided to add to their resume by buying a car dealership in their hometown. Hometown Motors blossomed soon after he took over in early December. While the family has plenty of experience with the farm, the car dealership has been a sort of a learn as you go proposition.

ROCKWELL CITY — Trent Blair has been a Rockwell City area pig farmer for many years. Despite his success on the country side, he and his family decided to add to their resume by buying a car dealership in their hometown. Hometown Motors blossomed soon after he took over in early December. While th...

02/15/2025

“A Broadway-themed concert is something we have been talking about for a long, long time,” said Hope Brown, president of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony. “With this being our 75th concert season we brought the idea to our conductor and music director, Joshua Barlage, and we decided to make it happen. I am really excited for everyone to see it.”

The concert will feature melodies from hit shows such as “Wicked,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “West Side Story,” “The Music Man,” and more.

“A Broadway-themed concert is something we have been talking about for a long, long time,” said Hope Brown, president of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony. “With this being our 75th concert season we brought the idea to our conductor and music director, Joshua Barlage, and we decided to make it hap...

02/15/2025

FFA was established in 1928 as Future Farmers of America. It was renamed the National FFA Organization in 1988 to reflect the rapid changes and greater employment diversity in agriculture. To most of us, it is known simply as FFA.

FFA was established in 1928 as Future Farmers of America. It was renamed the National FFA Organization in 1988 to reflect the rapid changes and greater employment diversity in agriculture. To most of us, it is known simply as FFA. After more than eight decades, FFA continues to enrich the lives of s...

02/15/2025

JEWELL — St. Edmond’s Sam Myer is looking to finish his career with his third state appearance.

The Gael senior will be vying for a state spot at 138 pounds in a Class 1A, District 9 meet in Jewell

JEWELL — St. Edmond’s Sam Myer is looking to finish his career with his third state appearance. The Gael senior will be vying for a state spot at 138 pounds in a Class 1A, District 9 meet in Jewell. Action is set to begin at 8 a.m. with weigh-ins and wrestling at 10 a.m. Joining […]

02/15/2025

HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt wrestling team will have four representatives at the state tournament.

The Wildcats won the district championship with four champions. Humboldt (191) edged West Marshall (189) for the team crown.

HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt wrestling team will have four representatives at the state tournament. The Wildcats won the district championship with four champions. Humboldt (191) edged West Marshall (189) for the team crown. The meet was moved up a day because of possible inclement weather. Eighth-rank...

02/15/2025

Five Dodgers are looking to make their return to Wells Fargo Arena and the rest of the lineup is ready to make an impact.

Five Dodgers are looking to make their return to Wells Fargo Arena and the rest of the lineup is ready to make an impact. The Dodgers will host a Class 3A, District 4 in the Dodger gym on Saturday. Joining Fort Dodge will be Ankeny Centennial, LeMars, Lewis Central, Sioux City East, Sioux City North...

02/15/2025

SATURDAY MORNING - 8 AM UPDATE

🚫 Towing along residential emergency routes has started. If you live on one of these routes, please make sure you’ve moved your vehicle off of the roadway.

❄️ Public Works has a full team of plows out working to clear streets. If you don’t have to go anywhere today, please consider staying home. Fewer vehicles means less snow pack and less time it takes to clear roadways.

🏘️ Based on snow totals with this storm and snowfall operations, all roads will be run. Priority remains hills, bridges and emergency routes. Crews will move into residential areas as they’re able. We’ll try to keep you updated as It happens.

Thank you for your patience!