The Webster County Courthouse was somewhat better than Lebanon’s (and head and shoulders over Buffalo), but still not quite what I might have hoped for.  I wasn’t going to complain though.  After m…

Veterans affairs director Dan Levenduski asked Webster County commissioners to incorporate a $10,000 state grant and a $3,000 conference reimbursement into the department’s fiscal 2027 budget and to approve hiring a part‑time staffer to cover office absences; salary for the incoming director remains undecided and will require a budget amendment.

Supervisors approved purchases including a 2025 Ford F-150 ($22,084), a Deere skid loader ($95,800) and three Mack truck chassis ($512,785.56); they also adopted resolutions on construction evaluation and the county five-year program and approved an agreement for Hidden Acres to contribute $500,000 toward paving.

Communications Director Brian Hitchcock said the county faces a projected E-9-1-1 fund deficit after the state shifted more of the cellular surcharge to itself; anticipated revenue of $345,000 versus expenses of $416,000 leaves a $71,000 shortfall, and long-term bond and system payments reduce fund flexibility.

Webster County Animal Protection said that in recent weeks, the bodies of at least two suspected starved dogs were found in Fort Dodge. WCAP and local law enforcement are working together to find thos...

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