News

Karl L. King Municipal Band to celebrate America's 250th birthday Sunday

Local News June 29, 2026

The Sunday evening, July 5, concert by the Karl L. King Municipal Band will celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Karl L. King Bandshell in Oleson Park, located in the southeastern part of the City of Fort Dodge. The concert time is 7:30 p.m. Coming just a day after the Independence Day holiday, it promises to be a perfect way to celebrate a long weekend of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Conductor Dan Cassady has chosen the perfect blend of musical selections to highlight America’s musical history through the years. Paul Bloomquist will continue to announce each ...

Hospital tax levy to remain at $1.90 for fiscal year 2026-2027

Local News June 29, 2026

According to a press release from the Van Diest Medical Center, the hospital tax levy for Fiscal Year 2027 will remain at $1.90 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. The tax levy was approved by the Van Diest Medical Center Board of Trustees earlier this spring. An appeal was filed in May on behalf of 400 petitioners and presented at a public hearing held in early June. The meeting of the Iowa State Appeals board was held at the Iowa State Capitol on Friday to consider the appeal of the tax levy for Hamilton County Public Hospital, doing business as Van Diest Medical ...

Durham says Webster City is ‘investing in itself’ at Gateway

Local News June 26, 2026

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s official opening of Webster City’s Gateway Industrial Park. She began her address with a quote by Peter Drucker, management consultant to IBM, General Electric and General Motors, and ...

Western Pa. revolutionized energy extraction with new techniques, technology

Local News June 26, 2026

Editor’s note: America would not be the nation it is today without its vast stores of natural resources. But those resources would have done us little good without individuals and companies willing to take risks. Much of that happened in Western Pennsylvania, where leading developments in ...

Fireworks all around

Local News June 26, 2026

The birthday of the beginning of this country is something to celebrate, and many find fireworks to be their celebration of choice. Fireworks stands are popping up all throughout the state. It’s a time to celebrate our country’s independence for the 250th year, but it is also a time to be safe and courteous in the use of fireworks. Within the Iowa Code, there is a section specifically addressing fireworks, under 727.2. In addition to those basic guidelines, each jurisdiction has their own requirements established through city ordinances. There are three types of ...

Waterways always a driving source of growth for Hamilton County

Local News June 26, 2026

As early settlers moved westward, and the eastern states were establishing business and industry to support their communities, the paths to reach Iowa were varied. The first step to head west was to pass through the Appalachian mountains. There were only two options: by land or ...