September 2025

Wildcat senior Brynn Malo finished runner-up in 20:14.53 to lead the Humboldt girls' cross country team to third-place in the team scoring of the Algona Invitational on Monday, Sept. 29.

Humboldt finished with 90 points. Mason City won with 44. Forest City was second with 67.

Humboldt's sophomore duo of Avery Fisher and Aubry Fisher finished fourth and sixth, respectively. Avery ran 20:16.89 and Aubry ran 20:45.38. Humboldt junior Macey Rodgers was 35th in 23:25.79. Brogan Evans of Mason City was the overall winner in 19:54.33.

Humboldt's boys finished 13th with 318 points. Forest City was the team champ with 49. Clear Lake was second with 84. Humboldt sophomore Henry Kramer was 13th in 18:06.42. Senior Graham Bakken was 77th in 21:00.27.

Humboldt's girls placed third on Oct. 4 in the Pocahontas Area Invitational. Brynn Malo ran second in 20:03. Avery Fisher was third in 20:08 and Aubry Fisher fifth in 20:30.

The new pedestrian bridge and adjoining trail system in Humboldt is not officially open, according to Humboldt city officials.

While there is currently access to the trail and the bridge that connects southwest Humboldt, small details need to be finished up before it is officially open to the public, according to Humboldt City Administrator Cole Bockelmann.

A photo cutline on the front page of the Sept. 26 Independent incorrectly stated the bridge is now open. The Independent apologizes for the inconvenience.

By APRIL KELLEY
HUMBOLDT - The trail connecting Webster and Humboldt Counties was once again on the agenda for the Humboldt County Conservation Board at their meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Humboldt County Conservation Director Todd Lee informed the Board that he had spoken to Matt Cosgrove, the Webster County Conservation Director about the future of the trail from Fort Dodge to Humboldt.

“I let him know that there is a shortage of funds countywide right at the moment. He took it really well. We went through all this work to get the $750,000 grant to get a good start,” Lee said.

Rather than end the discussion, Cosgrove suggested that they work on the trail project looking at it in sections first.

“He has a project in 2026 where he is connecting from the winery to Harlan Rodgers. He wants to see how that one goes and to continue to raise funds for the rest,” Lee said.

John Ray Grause, born March 3, 1961, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 19, 2025.
Much of John’s life was spent in Humboldt. While attending Humboldt High School, John was active in athletics and Key Club. John worked at the legendary Dueseyberger Restaurant. Upon graduation, John attended Iowa State University. After his college days, John moved to Florida where he worked in the food and beverage industry. After several years in Florida, service called him to assist a close friend and her family. In 2003, John returned to his home state of Iowa where he spent time with family, attending many events of nieces and nephews. John was the life of a party! For example, dressing up as a banana at The Orange Bowl and a pirate at basketball games. Following his retirement from Barilla, he returned to his family home where he was caregiver to his mother until her passing.