Council approves major electric rate hike
The City Council of Webster City voted last night to increase rates for all classes of electricity users, residential, commercial and industrial in Webster City. Major rate increases sustained by Humboldt-based Corn Belt Power Co-op from its key suppliers in 2025, with further increases forecasted for this year, left council few options except to pass what will likely be the largest increase in electric rates in recent memory. Last November, Corn Belt’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Jacob Olberding told the council it had been notified by Western Area Power ...
Council sets hearing on 2026-27 property tax levy
The City Council of Webster City voted last night to hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. on April 6 to set the maximum tax levy for purposes of the city’s 2026-2027 budget. For the third year in a row, the city is reducing property taxes — close to a .7% reduction. For a $100,000 home in Webster City, this would mean tax savings of about $30 a year. Changes made to this year’s levy recommendation reflect further restructuring of property tax law passed during the 2024 and 2025 sessions of the legislature. Republicans in the Iowa Legislature have long held the state’s ...
WC Chamber of Commerce retail committee meets today
The retail committee of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce meets today at 9 a.m. This will be held at the chamber office located at 624 Second St. The retail committee gathers ideas from business people to create events and promotions such as the Junquefest, Market nights and Ladies Night Out. Chamber members are encouraged to participate with this committee. Non-members are invited to join the chamber and take a role in creating events which help support the community.
Citizens Academy still has openings
The Hamilton County Peace Officers Association and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are working together to provide a Citizens Academy to educate private citizens to the roles law enforcement officers play in keeping citizens safe. This free program will begin from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 19 in the basement conference room at the Hamilton County Courthouse, 2300 Superior St. Applications are available at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office located on the second floor of the courthouse.
Van Diest Medical Center earns Top 100 Critical Access Hospital award by The Chartis Center for Rural Health
The Van Diest Medical Center today announced it has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. “The Top 100 Award is a tremendous honor, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the rural hospitals from across the country that demonstrates a commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Lisa Ridge, ...