News

Better Choices, Better Health workshop coming to VDMC

Local News July 31, 2026

The Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) will host Better Choices, Better Health, Iowa’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, this fall. The free, interactive, six-week workshop series will meet Thursdays, September 17 – October 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12p.m. in the VDMC Hospital Conference Room. Each session is led by two certified instructors. Designed to help participants gain confidence and take charge of their health, the program covers practical tools to manage ongoing health conditions while staying active. Topics include: · Communicating effectively with family, friends, ...

English wins Grand Champion Market Hog Show at Hamilton County Fair

Local News July 31, 2026

Brendan English showed the Grand Champion pig at the Market Hog show held Saturday, July 25 during the Hamilton County Fair, in addition to winning the Central Iowa Showdown held on Sunday, July 26. The 12 year old middle school student from Webster City is the son of Kristi Ray and is a member of the Cass Red Cardinals. The Central Iowa Showdown which is held each summer, brings together champion exhibitors from across Central Iowa. The event gives 4-H and FFA members another opportunity to compete beyond their county fair. In some cases, exhibitors may qualify for additional ...

Iowa crops rated highly; some counties have access to disaster funding

Iowa News July 31, 2026

Iowa corn and soybean crops are generally in good to excellent condition, according to the latest report, even while parts of the state were hit with heavy rains that triggered disaster assistance from a federal agency for houses and businesses in certain counties. Corn grown for grain in Iowa rated 80% good to excellent and soybean crop condition was rated 78% good to excellent in the latest crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Corn silking reached 87% across the state for the July 20 through July 26 reporting period. This is 6 percentage points ...

Webster City Fire Department tackles home fire on Bank St.

Local News July 31, 2026

The Webster City fire department dispatched two units Thursday to a house fire on Bank Street. Traffic to the area was blocked off while fire and police crew addressed the fire. The Van Diest Medical Center responded to a call to the home located at 1105 Bank. No further details were available at press time.

G'day

Local News July 31, 2026

Jam Session in Blairsburg tonight BLAIRSBURG —The Blairsburg Opera House Jam session will be held from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Opera House. Musicians, dancers and listeners are invited to attend. Back to School Night is Monday night The annual Back to School night will be held Monday from 3;30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Webster City Middle School. The Middle School is located at 1101 Des Moines St. All students and families are invited to this evening design as a one-stop location where families can access resources and support needed to start the school year ...

Iowa Board of Regents expands oversight of UI’s Center for Intellectual Freedom

Iowa News July 31, 2026

The Iowa Board of Regents has formed a new committee to oversee the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa as it prepares for a fall without classes. Board members approved the committee’s formation at its Wednesday meeting and approved its membership of Regent Christine Hensley, serving as chair, Board President Robert Cramer in the role of vice chair and Regent Steve Lacy. The center’s director, at this time Interim Director Luciano de Castro, will staff the committee. The committee will meet every quarter at least, Board Executive Director Mark Braun said, ...