Breaking News

Local News

Webster City FFA chapter honored with highest Chapter Award

INDIANAPOLIS – The Webster City FFA chapter of Webster City, IA, has been recognized in 2026 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. They were given a 3-star ranking. Truly a mark of their exceptionalism, less than 10% of chapters nationwide are given a ranking from the National FFA Organization. “The kids' application had to place in the top 10% of chapters in Iowa to advance to Nationals, then at Nationals all applications get 1, 2, or 3 stars with 3 being the highest. So 10% of chapters across the country are recognized as National Star chapters but ...

Final Webster City Market Night tonight

By KOLLEEN TAYLOR Tonight is the last night for Market Nights in downtown Webster City. This huge project falls under the umbrella of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce. But the people who have been running hard to make it happen are often overlooked, as we all enjoy the music, activities, special exhibits, food exhibits and promotion of the downtown business district. There are many individuals who put in extra time to make the event pleasant for everyone, from the city crews setting up picnic tables, the Trash Man employees providing garbage containers, emptying and ...

Final Market Night tonight

With two Market nights cancelled during the summer, this week’s Market Night brings altogether many of the events that had to be scratched earlier in the summer. Motorcycles, tractors, Doodle Bugs, and the Touch-A-Truck exhibits will all be in the downtown area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the final market night of the season. The end-of-summer celebration will feature live entertainment by Scott Kirkhart on the Availa Bank Plaza Stage, along with motorcycles, tractors, Doodle Bugs, Touch-A-Truck, local shopping, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Motorcycle enthusiasts ...

Early voting in Hamilton County is underway

The special election on September 8, will determine the next steps taken by the Webster City School Board. The ballot includes 3 questions: Each asks: Shall these public measures be adopted? The beginning of the questions lists the various ways the funds can be used, and then asks voters to authorize for a period of 3 years, a levy increase of .57 per $1,000 of the assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district beginning in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028. The second question asks if they would authorize for a period of 10 years to levy annually ...

New shelter, restrooms open in East Twin Park

The new picnic shelter in East Twin Park, Webster City, is now open. In addition to restrooms, and a water fountain, two picnic tables which are sheltered from weather, are provided. Recreation Director Breann Lesher thanked volunteers John Hawkins, Lynn Jaycox, and employees of the City of Webster City Parks & Recreation, and Line and Street departments, for construction assistance. Lesher also thanked local businesses, API Roofing, who donated the metal roof, materials and labor and DCI Garage Floors, who provided the epoxy floor and labor. Freeman-Journal photo by Robert E. ...

Area Educators focus on funding and needs during education panel

It was a clear focus on the funding and future of our schools in Hamilton County during the luncheon held at the Briggs Woods Conference center Thursday. The panelists: Matt Berninghaus, Superintendent of the Webster City Community Schools, Heather Holm, Superintendent of the South Hamilton Community Schools and Dr. Stacy Mentzer, representing Iowa Central Community College, explained their situations, looking at historical data. Enrollment is a key factor for all three institutions. The Webster City and South Hamilton schools are both funded by the same amount: $8,148/pupil, ...