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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Dodge

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

🌱 How $40,000 in new grants will change Fort Dodge classrooms

Cheers Fort Dodge! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How $40,000 in new grants will change Fort Dodge classrooms
  • What a judge’s ruling means for Fort Dodge’s mayoral OWI case
  • How five fires in two weeks are stretching Fort Dodge crews

Also on today's calendar: Adult Mixed Media Art Exploration 4-week session and 1 more event.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Fort Dodge? Post it to Fort Dodge photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 39 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy, windy and colder, temps: high: 36, low: 5. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 32 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. FDCS Foundation gives $40,000 to various district endeavors (messengernews.net) — Fort Dodge students and teachers will see $40,000 in new support this year, with major grants targeting literacy, special education, and classroom technology across the district. The Foundation is also covering all AP exam fees and backing tools like translation earbuds and 3D printers. Residents can further support these efforts at the “Go Big, Go Dodgers” fundraiser on April 10 at the Laramar Ballroom.
   

2. Fort Dodge mayor's OWI case: Judge says traffic stop was unjustified (who13.com) — A judge has ruled that key evidence in Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich’s OWI case cannot be used at trial, finding the traffic stop that led to his arrest was not justified. The decision throws the January 6, 2026 trial into question, as only evidence from before the officer activated his lights is allowed and a motion to dismiss is now pending.
   

3. Fort Dodge firefighters tackle 5 fires in 2 weeks amid cold challenges (kcci.com) — Fort Dodge firefighters have battled five house fires in less than two weeks, all while working in dangerous, freezing conditions that slow their response and strain EMS coverage. Chief Matt Price describes how icy streets, frozen water, and the department’s dual fire-ambulance role are stretching crews thin as they race between repeat calls on J Street and South 24th Street.
   

4. Fort Dodge teams hit the road twice (messengernews.net) — Fort Dodge’s boys and girls basketball teams wrap up their 2025 slate on the road this week with doubleheaders at Mason City and Marshalltown. The article highlights recent results, key Dodger players like LJ Maehl and Reggie Pederson, and what local fans can expect from these important conference matchups before the holiday break.
   

5. WCSO donates to Bikes For Tykes (messengernews.net) — Webster County Sheriff’s Office and local partners raised nearly $2,000 to buy 19 bikes for the Bikes for Tykes campaign, delivered through Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota. The effort helps ensure local children who might not otherwise receive a bicycle get one, showcasing a strong holiday-season partnership between law enforcement, businesses, and community donors.
   

📸 Around Fort Dodge

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Whomever put my Truman on my front porch, THANK YOU!
    The goober apparently was playing with the bunnies and pushed the fence over. The best dog trainer Jo came and put it back up! (Nextdoor 15th St/Williams Dr)
  • Nestlé S.A posted a job opening for Production Supervisor in Fort Dodge. Apply here.
  • Walgreens posted a job opening for Inventory Specialist in Fort Dodge. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Dodge here.

Ok Fort Dodge! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Dodge

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Dodge

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.