Last week, I had the privilege of joining an incredible delegation of leaders from Fort Dodge and Webster County in our nation’s capital, and I can say with confidence, our region showed up with purpose.

This wasn’t a trip about checking a box. It was about showing up where it matters. Alongside partners from the City, County, Iowa Central, and private industry, we engaged directly with federal agencies and our congressional delegation to advocate for the priorities that will shape our future, from infrastructure and airport connectivity to workforce development and downtown investment.

We made one thing clear: Fort Dodge and Webster County are not waiting on opportunity—we are building it.

What stood out most was the strength of our alignment. When we walk into rooms unified, focused, and grounded in a shared vision, we position our region not just to compete—but to lead. Because relationships matter. And those relationships unlock doors to investment, innovation, and long-term growth.

I always say that prepared communities win! Our trip from last week was a strong reminder that we are doing the work to ensure ours does. 😊

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who joined us for our Q1 Leading Ladies event. The energy in the room was incredible, and Julie Thorson delivered a truly impactful presentation. Opportunities like this strengthen leadership, connection, and momentum across our region, and we are proud to champion spaces where that growth can thrive.

Thank you for being part of this work, for your partnership, your leadership, and your belief in what we are building together.

The momentum in the Greater Fort Dodge Region is real, and we are just getting started.

Orchard Explorer Day Camp 2026

🍎REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!🍎

Join us for 4 unforgettable mornings of orchard exploration, hands-on agriculture learning, crafts, playtime, and new friendships.

Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait! We can’t wait to welcome your explorers back to the orchard.

Session 1: June 8th-11th

Session 2: June 15th-18th

Session 3: June 22nd-25th

📍Community Orchard🍎

Sign Up Here

Bingo supporting The Lord's Cupboard

Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Select Sundays from 3-5PM. We are partnering with The Lord's Cupboard. Participants may donate items off of their wish list or give a cash donation in exchange for bingo cards.

More Info

After Hours

3rd-5th graders are invited for a fun night of pizza, activities, and a movie at the Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center.

✨Thursday April 2nd

5:30PM-7:30PM

Register Here

Babysitting Clinic

ISU Extension and Outreach Webster County is sponsoring a babysitting clinic for students in grades 4th-8th. In this clinic students will cover various topics of babysitting from the fundamentals, safe and healthy cooking skills, what to do in an emergency and much more!

✨Friday, April 3rd

9:00AM-3:00PM

💲$25 4-H members

$30 Non 4-H members

Includes Snacks, Lunch & Resources

📣Class size is limited please sign-up by March 27th

📞Please contact Kristyn with any questions

515-576-2119

Vineyard Vibrations: Stadium Dr.

There is something special about a local band that truly has it — and Stadium Dr has it. On Friday, April 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM, Soldier Creek Winery welcomes Stadium Dr for an americana music night rooted in the timeless, layered sound of artists like Wilco. Their music is honest, textured, and the kind that settles into you long after the last song ends. This is a night to slow down, pour a glass of your favorite Soldier Creek wine, and let local talent remind you why live music matters.

More Info

Annual {Adult} Easter Egg Hunt

🐣🍷 An Easter Egg Hunt You DON’T Want to Miss! 🍷🐣 Forget everything you know about Easter egg hunts—this one is for adults only, and it’s packed with wine, prizes, and unforgettable fun! Join us on April 4 at 2 PM at Soldier Creek Winery for an afternoon filled with excitement, laughter, and a little friendly competition.

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A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge.

📍 Friendship Haven

✨beginning April 6, 2026 5PM-6PM

Register Here

Career Fair

Mark your calendars for the spring Career Fair.

✨Wednesday, April 8th

10:00AM-1:00PM

📍Career Education Building Fort Dodge Campus

Aced Cornhole League Iowa State ACL State Championships

Aced Cornhole League Iowa ACL State Championships! Full slate of events for men and women of all ages and different skill levels. Sponsorship opportunities available! Contact Jeb at acedcornhole@gmail.com for more information.

✨April 17-18th

📍Lizard Creek Ranch

Timber Hall

More Info

Community Health Center 20th Anniversary

Community Health Center of Fort Dodge will hold its annual fundraising event on Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 PM at The Laramar, celebrating 20 years of service to the community. The evening will feature dinner, live and online auctions, and musical entertainment by Scott Kirkhart. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown significantly, expanding from 3,000 patients in 2008 to nearly 18,000 patients last year across multiple locations while providing nearly 60,000 visits in 2025. This year’s fundraiser will support expanding access to breast cancer screenings by bringing mammogram services on-site. Raffle and event tickets are available HERE or at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.

Almost Home's 16th Annual Fur Ball

Come join us for Almost Home's 16th Annual Fur Ball! The fundraiser event will be held on April 18th starting at 5:30PM at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge. There will be food, live music, silent and live auctions, 50/50 raffle, and of course some furry friends to meet. Tickets are available to purchase now at Almost Home or HyVee.

Low-Carbon Ethanol Update

Join Summit Carbon Solutions to learn about low-carbon ethanol and its impact on Iowa's agriculture market!

Lunch will be served.

✨April 21st 12:00PM

📍Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance - 24 N 9th St.

Register Here

Non-Surgical Solutions For Foot & Ankle Pain

Dealing with heel pain, Achilles tightness, nerve pain, or arthritis that just won’t go away? 🦶🏼

Join us for a special MLS Laser Therapy evening at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa and learn how to feel better, faster.

🧑🏼‍⚕️ The Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa Team along with Rachel Palen, DPT, will be there to share insight, experience, and practical treatment tips.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Causes of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, neuropathy, and arthritis

• Treatment options and personalized care

• How MLS laser can reduce pain and speed healing

• The role of physical therapy in recovery

✨ What to expect:

• Light snacks 

• Live MLS laser demo

• Q&A with our team

🎉 Event-only perks:

• VIP appointments available

• Exclusive savings

• Retail specials

While RSVP is not required, we would love to know if you plan to attend. Call 515-639-3775 to reserve your seat.

📅April 21st 5:30PM-6:30PM

📍1200 NW 36th St. Ankeny, IA

Produce Basics Child Care Provider Training

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is piloting a NEW child care provider training, Produce Basics, which has been approved for two hours of credit by Iowa Health and Human Services and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The training helps providers learn best practices related to food safety and garden safety to provide a healthy environment for children in their care. Health and Human Sciences Educators will be hosting Produce Basics virtually on April 30, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Child care providers will discover the risks related to produce while exploring garden safety guidelines and learn ways to keep fresh fruits and vegetables safe through storage, cleaning, and preparation. One provider responded “this was a wonderful class and very enjoyable. I truly learned a lot about produce that I didn’t know.” The program cost is $20 per person. 

Full Swing Forward 5K & Kids 1K

Join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit as we raise funds for the Fort Dodge Junior Golf Academy and Children's Cancer Connection. Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, or run regardless of age or skill level!

✨Saturday, April 25th

📍Fort Dodge Country Club

8:00 AM: Open Registration

9:00 AM: Kids' 1K & 1K Walk

9:30 AM: Adult 5K

More Info

Northwest Iowa Thin Blue Line Gala

Join us for the First Annual Thin Blue Line Gala at the Laramar Ballroom an unforgettable evening in support of a meaningful cause. The night will feature a social hour, dinner, guest presenters, a silent auction, and live entertainment by Spencer Suchan. All proceeds will benefit Iowa C.O.P.S., helping provide support to the families of fallen law enforcement officers. Come together as a community for a night of honor and giving.

✨Saturday, April 25th

📍Laramar Ballroom

Doors open at 5:00PM

Tickets Here

For a list of all events,

click here.

How to Money with Cole and Baileigh -The Psychology and Emotional Side of Money

How to Money with Cole & Baileigh Money can be emotional sometimes. There is some psychology behind that. We discuss why people feel certain ways about money, the emotions they go through, and positive mindsets that can help alleviate some stress.

Bringing Hope to Rural Communities Through Mental Health Support with Jeff Winton

The Spin Markket Report Jeff Winton is the founder of Rural Minds. Their mission is to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental health information and resources. We discuss the founding of Rural Minds, the unique challenges farmers and rural Americans face, the impact Jeff has seen since its inception, and more!

New Website Launch - Kampen's Catering

When You Can't, Kampen's Can. Food you’ll be proud to serve. A team you can trust to deliver. Professional catering for weddings, funerals, corporate events, and community gatherings.

Website

Dodger Download- Don Miller

Dodger Download Don Miller is the retired wrestling coach at Fort Dodge Senior High and the namesake of the Don Miller Invitational. We sit down to discuss Don's career journey, the current wrestling scene at Fort Dodge, upcoming events at the school, board tidbits, and more!

Elevada Worldwide Launches April 1 Digital Grand Opening, Introducing a Global Movement for Empowerment and Storytelling

From idea to digital dominance, Spin Markket + Digital shares how they transformed creative marketing into measurable growth. In this episode, they reveal how bold branding, data-driven strategy, and fearless innovation helped them rise in a fast-moving digital world — proving that momentum is created, not accidental.