Fort Dodge Watch

07/29/2026

Job Alert - Webster County: Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Coordinator

The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating activities that strengthen healthcare system preparedness and response capabilities. This position serves as the liaison between hospitals, healthcare coalitions, emergency man...

07/29/2026

BREAKING NEWS: No criminal charges will be filed against a Fort Dodge man involved in a fatal shooting Friday, after authorities determined he acted in self-defense.
The Fort Dodge Police Department report that 31 year old Josiah Byram was retreating from an attack by 45 year old Thomas Ahrens of Fort Dodge, when a confrontation continued into Byram’s residence in the 1300 block of 3rd Avenue North.

Police say it was inside the residence when Byram fired a single gunshot, striking Ahrens. Byram then called 911 and reported the incident to dispatchers.

Responding officers found Ahrens and provided emergency assistance until the Fort Dodge Fire Department arrived. Ahrens was transported to UnityPoint Health–Trinity Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Byram was identified at the scene as the shooter.

Investigators with the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Webster County Attorney’s Office reviewed the available evidence and interviews. The county attorney determined that Byram was acting in self-defense and that no charges would be filed.

07/24/2026

"We have determined that this was an isolated incident between two parties known to each other, and there is no threat to the public." - Chief Dennis Quinn

A man has died following a reported shooting in Fort Dodge. According to a release from the Fort Dodge Police Department, a call came in just before 2pm Friday that a man had been shot in the area of the 1300 block of 3rd Ave. North. Officers reported to the scene where they found a man who had sustained a gunshot wound and rendered aid until Fort Dodge Fire arrived on scene and transported the man to Unity Point-Trinity Regional Medical Center for further treatment. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. At this time, police say the name of the male is not being released.
A second man was located on scene and was detained after being identified as the shooter. Officers secured the scene and detectives with the criminal investigations division arrived to investigate. Officers and investigators located evidence and spoke with potential witnesses.
Officers and investigators are continuing to follow up on this incident. Police have determined that this was an isolated incident between two parties known to each other, and there is no threat to the public. Anyone with video evidence or information that could help officers are urged to contact the Fort Dodge Police Department.

07/24/2026

Job Alert - Webster County (Health): Dental Hygienist

A Public Health Dental Hygienist provides preventative oral health services and education to communities, often focusing on underserved or high-risk populations. This role emphasizes outreach, disease prevention, and improving access to dental care in settings such as Head Start, preschools, schools...

07/24/2026

Job Alert - Webster County (Health): Home Health Aide

Our Medicare-certified home health agency is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and skilled Home Health Aide (HHA) to provide personal care services to patients in their homes under the direction of a registered nurse and in accordance with the patient's individualized plan of care. The Home Healt...

07/24/2026

Job Alert - Webster County (Health): Interpreter and BFPC

The Spanish Interpreter and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor supports the mission of the WIC Program by providing culturally sensitive language interpretation services and breastfeeding education to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and families. This position serves as a trusted peer resource, he...

07/24/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈 💗🥎

Thank you for the incredible impact you’ve made on the lives of so many Iowa girls. Your commitment to State Softball and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has been so much more than the countless hours you’ve dedicated. You’ve helped create traditions, unforgettable experiences, and opportunities that generations of student-athletes will carry with them long after they leave the field.

07/22/2026

Saint Edmond pulls off a win against Clarksville. They will face off again shortly to decide which team advances.

07/22/2026

Closure of Iowa 7 in Webster County begins July 27. Improvements will be made to the Union Pacific Railroad crossing, located between Hayes and Iowa avenues, requiring the short-term closure of Iowa 7.

Closure of Iowa 7 in Webster County begins July 27

07/22/2026

Dodgers log a win against Carlisle. They will face off again at 7:15PM this evening to see who advances.