Breaking News

Demolition of four downtown buildings to start immediately

Last night, the City Council of Webster City voted unanimously to spend $574,000 to demolish four brick buildings downtown. Council has debated the fate of the buildings since late 2024, when it acquired the former Coulter’s paint and drapery store at 547 Second St. The building next door, 545 Second, once Kelly’s Bar & Grill, was acquired by the city this summer, as were two buildings owned by Chris McNeil at 518 & 520 Second. The demolition contract was awarded to Capital Demolition & Environmental Services LLC of Des Moines, and includes asbestos abatement, which…

G'day

Polls open at 7 a.m. today; close at 8 p.m. Don’t forget to cast your vote today! Webster City residents…

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Local Sports

Local Columns

School pictures: Smile pretty kids

Each school year most American children participate in an annual rite known as “school pictures.” I’m guessing many school pictures have already been shot, printed and delivered by early November. It’s a familiar process. Notes are sent home to parents alerting them to the day school photographs will be taken. Most mothers take extra…

If the numbers of people downtown during last night's Trick or Treat event are any sign,…

Halloween for all ages

Editorials

Let’s keep Halloween fun

Unlike most holidays, Halloween really has no serious purpose. It's primarily an opportunity for harmless, child-oriented fun. Costumes, trick-or-treat activities and an opportunity to engage in make-believe combine to make Halloween a favorite of youngsters and those still young at heart. Unfortunately, what can be a day filled with happy festivities can turn tragic…

Did your parents discuss politics at the dinner table?

Business Briefs

Lifestyle Briefs

Parents invited to Back to School Night Aug. 3

Back to School Night will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug, 3 at the Webster City Middle School, 1101 Des Moines St. Webster City Community School District invites all students and families to this special evening. designed as a one-stop location where families can access the resources and support needed to…

Letters to Editor

Polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere

Letter to the Editor: I’m writing to explain why Webster City Rotarians are inviting you to participate in Saturday morning’s World’s Largest Polio Walk at Wilson Brewer Park. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to join us at 9:30 am for the walk beginning at 10:00 am. Stop in anytime between 10:00 am…

Obituaries

Marty H. Murray

Marty Murray, 71, of Lehigh, passed away on October 22, 2026, of congestive heart failure. Marty Howard Murray was born August 19, 1955, the second child of William A. and Esther I. (Knox) Murray. He matriculated through the Central Webster Schools and received his GED. He later graduated from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar…