Editor’s note: This feature first ran in a special publication called Hometown Pride, published June 28, 2025, featuring people and organizations from Fort Dodge and the surrounding area who are making a difference in their communities. GOWRIE — Community involvement has long been a ...

Around the area POCAHONTAS — The Leonard Olson Memorial Art Walk is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SATURDAY in downtown Pocahontas. Following the walk, a special showing of special Pocahontas area documentaries will be screened at the Rialto downtown. In Fort Dodge FORT DODGE — The first Holiday ...

During the sweltering heat of August, the Johnson family was laying out detailed plans for a Thanksgiving dinner for more than 2,000 local residents. Casey Johnson, co-owner of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, and his family have been clearing out the dealership’s showroom and feeding the ...

Being on stage and acting like someone you’re not is a difficult task, yet it can be very rewarding. For Fort Dodge Senior High senior Allison Utley that’s exactly why she likes to be on stage. “I think the best thing about theater, and art in general, is it gives people the ability ...

The Messenger will not publish a paper on Thursday in commemoration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Check www.messengernews.net throughout the day for breaking news updates. The Messenger will resume publication on Friday.

An August electrical fire at Amigos, 280 N. First St., left the building a total loss, but owner Mark Campbell said the popular restaurant and bar along the Des Moines River will be rebuilt. “We have taken out as much as possible from inside the building, and now are letting the SERT ...