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U.S. Department of Agriculture argues it's not required to enforce Animal Welfare Act

Iowa News

Less than two weeks after the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the agency was stepping up enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act, the USDA’s lawyers are arguing in court that it’s not required to enforce that law. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed a lawsuit against the USDA in September 2024, challenging its past decisions to license three Iowa dog breeders — Steve Kruse, Brian Lichirie and Wuanita Swedlund. The lawsuit, which is still pending, alleges the USDA has pursued an informal policy of failing to enforce the ...

Merrill Family Foundation scholarships announced

Local News

The George and Doris Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarship Fund administered through the Fort Dodge Community Foundation announces 30 scholarship awards to area students who are attending college during the 2026-2027 academic year. Students receiving new scholarship awards include: Araya Anderson, Ames; Luke Firsching, Webster City; Tatum Harms, Fort Dodge; Arynn Luppes, Blairsburg; Makinley Nore, Fort Dodge; Sylvia Otteros, Williams; Logan Reed, Badger; Olivia Richardson, Webster City; Avery Teague, Webster City. Students receiving renewal scholarship awards include: Tanner ...

Eagle Scout project brings new flag retirement box to Webster City

Local News

Tanner Baldwin, a member of Family Troop 17, sponsored by American Legion Post 191 of Webster City, has completed an Eagle Scout project that will benefit the community for many years and make the process of disposing of damaged flags much easier. Tanner installed a flag retirement drop box ...

Webster City business puzzler Day #3

Local News

The puzzle that takes watching each day of the newspaper continues today. Starting with last Friday's newspaper and Our Hometown, readers can be part of a scavenger hunt style puzzle will conclude at the end of Ladies Night Out on Thursday. We are including photos of business owners and employees who are participating with the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce, Ladies Night Out event, which is not identified with any explanation. This is on purpose. The Daily Freeman Journal will put a photo somewhere in the newspaper each day until Thursday without identifying the business or the ...

Webster City schools celebration National School lunch week

Local News

This week, the Webster City Community School District celebrates National School Lunch Week. The theme, “Cafeteria Circus: Where Healthy Choices Take Center Stage,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children each day. WCCSD knows the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. A 2021 Tufts University study shows children are getting their healthiest meals of the day at school, with ...

Airport project will give passengers more room

Local News

After passengers flying out of Fort Dodge Regional Airport clear the security checkpoint, they must sit or stand in a relatively small area while they wait to board their plane. And there is no bathroom there. Anyone needing to use the bathroom has to go back into the main part of the ...