News

John Deere plans to phase out Clarion, Ottumwa factories

Local News November 6, 2026

The John Deere manufacturing facility in Ottumwa, pictured, is slated to close along with a facility in Clarion, the company announced. (Photo via Google Earth) John Deere factories in Ottumwa and Clarion are set to be phased out over next two fiscal years as the company looks to “optimize” manufacturing and “improve operational efficiency” according to a Wednesday announcement from the company. The company also plans to move small planter production from a facility in Moline, Illinois, to a John Deere production facility in Paton, Iowa, in the next fiscal year. A ...

G'day

Local News November 6, 2026

Spark Webster City exhibit will be Saturday Spark WC is sponsoring the “Prairie Folk” project, which will be held in the East Twin Park from 2 to 4 p.m. Artists Tim Adams and Emily Hill will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in the exhibit. Spark WC is an IEDA grant initiative to bring more art and more stories to light in Webster City. Kamrar Soup Dinner on Sunday The Kamrar Lions Club will b e hosting a soup dinner on Sunday, at the Kamrar Lions Building. The menu includes chili, pork and barley, chicken noodle soup, a dessert and drink. This is served as ...

Counties asking for local conservation bonds

Iowa News November 6, 2026

Funding a trust to support Iowa’s natural resources and water has come up repeatedly on the campaign trail ahead of Tuesday’s elections, but some counties have successfully initiated bond referendums to support projects locally. On Tuesday, Dubuque County voters will be asked to ...

Care packages donated to Infusion Center, Public Health

Local News November 6, 2026

Lisa Tapper, center, a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant, donated care packages filled with lotions and comfort items for patients in the Joan and Richard Stark Infusion Center at Van Diest Medical Center, and for clients of Hamilton County Public Health. Nearly 30 area businesses and individuals contributed to support the project. Also pictured are Lori Foster, left, senior director of marketing and public relations at VDMC, and Pam Harklau, RN, Hamilton County Public Health administrator on the right.

Iowa’s voter turnout broke records for midterm elections

Iowa News November 5, 2026

Iowa voters broke midterm turnout records in the general election Tuesday, with more than 1,380,528 residents casting their ballots. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate told reporters Wednesday the 2026 general election was “the largest midterm in three decades here in Iowa” in voter ...

Turning Back the Pages of Time

Local News November 5, 2026

1931 Judge rules in favor of young folks Judge Fry directed a verdict for the defense at the morning session at which trial A. Habhab, a dry goods merchant of Fort Dodge, tried to have the marriage of his daughter Adebeah to Francis Rank, set aside. It was just a year ago last Sept. 10 that the young couple accompanied by Fay Swanson, all of Fort Dodge, came to this city to get married. Miss Swanson was attired in men’s clothing and when she signed her name as a witness to the marriage license application she wrote “Bill Spiffence.” After obtaining the license,the young ...