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Final Market Night tonight

With two Market nights cancelled during the summer, this week’s Market Night brings altogether many of the events that had to be scratched earlier in the summer. Motorcycles, tractors, Doodle Bugs, and the Touch-A-Truck exhibits will all be in the downtown area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the final market night of the season. The end-of-summer celebration will feature live entertainment by Scott Kirkhart on the Availa Bank Plaza Stage, along with motorcycles, tractors, Doodle Bugs, Touch-A-Truck, local shopping, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Motorcycle enthusiasts ...

Early voting in Hamilton County is underway

The special election on September 8, will determine the next steps taken by the Webster City School Board. The ballot includes 3 questions: Each asks: Shall these public measures be adopted? The beginning of the questions lists the various ways the funds can be used, and then asks voters to authorize for a period of 3 years, a levy increase of .57 per $1,000 of the assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district beginning in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028. The second question asks if they would authorize for a period of 10 years to levy annually ...

New shelter, restrooms open in East Twin Park

The new picnic shelter in East Twin Park, Webster City, is now open. In addition to restrooms, and a water fountain, two picnic tables which are sheltered from weather, are provided. Recreation Director Breann Lesher thanked volunteers John Hawkins, Lynn Jaycox, and employees of the City of Webster City Parks & Recreation, and Line and Street departments, for construction assistance. Lesher also thanked local businesses, API Roofing, who donated the metal roof, materials and labor and DCI Garage Floors, who provided the epoxy floor and labor. Freeman-Journal photo by Robert E. ...

Area Educators focus on funding and needs during education panel

It was a clear focus on the funding and future of our schools in Hamilton County during the luncheon held at the Briggs Woods Conference center Thursday. The panelists: Matt Berninghaus, Superintendent of the Webster City Community Schools, Heather Holm, Superintendent of the South Hamilton Community Schools and Dr. Stacy Mentzer, representing Iowa Central Community College, explained their situations, looking at historical data. Enrollment is a key factor for all three institutions. The Webster City and South Hamilton schools are both funded by the same amount: $8,148/pupil, ...

Van Diest Medical Center receives high rating

VDMC receives five-star ratings from CMS The Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) in Webster City is one of just nine Iowa hospitals to receive 5-stars from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) for patient experience for 2026, according to information released from Becker’s Hospital Review. Nationwide, 250 hospitals received a 5-star rating. CMS calculates patient survey star ratings from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, which captures patients’ experiences during a recent hospital stay. A five-star mark is the highest rating ...

G’day

State of Education panel discussion today The Hamilton County Growth Partnerships annual State of Education panel will be held today at the Briggs Woods Conference Center. This begins at 11:45 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. The Briggs Woods Conference Center is located at 2501 Briggs Woods Trail. Matt Berninghaus, superintendent of Webster City Community Schools, Heather Holm, South Hamilton superintendent and Jesse Ulrich President of Iowa Central Community College will update those attending on their past year and future plans. Angel Ride is Saturday The annual Angel Tree Ride ...