Taylor Katz, of Clarion, received a doctor of philosophy degree during the December commencement at the University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee. Katz was among 1,340 graduates at the Dec. 15 commencement exercise.

Five area students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Morningside University in Sioux City. They are Seth Walker, of Algona; Elizabeth Hogrefe, of Eagle Grove; Destinee Martin, of Manson; and Ally Stuhrenberg, of Pocahontas. To qualify for the Dean’s List, they had to ...

The Fort Dodge Police Department has two new officers. Keaton Peart and Brandon Mills were introduced to the City Council Monday. Peart was most recently a corrections officer at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. He is a graduate of St. Edmond High School, Iowa Central Community College ...

The Webster County Birding will hold an annual Christmas bird count Saturday. Those participating should meet at 7:30 a.m. at Tom Thumb, 1412 A St., for coordinates and breakfast. Bring a bird identification book and binoculars. Counters will meet back at Tom Thumb at noon to do the tally. ...

The Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission will hold an open house to discuss the future of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S. Learn more about the project, share your ideas, and enjoy some light ...

The Messenger will not be published on Thursday in commemoration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.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.