August 2026

Fri
28
Aug

Defending state runner-up Wildcats hungry for more


Returning letterwinners for the Humboldt volleyball team, from left: Salem Bonnstetter, Gracie Johnson, Callie Olsen and Addie Waldorf. Back row: Jerzie Wempen, Jazzie Dodd, Adelynn Goodell and Brayleigh Angstrom. Independent photo.

The Humboldt Wildcat coaching staff, from left: Cassie Harklau, head coach Kara Waldorf, Alison Angstrom, Jamie Flaherty and Kathi Beach. Independent photo.

Humboldt returns 8 letterwinners from championship season

By PHIL MONSON
Humboldt Wildcat volleyball is coming off its best season ever.
In 2025, the Wildcats (33-7 overall) went unbeaten in North Central Conference play and advanced all the way to the Class 3A state championship, where they fell to Davenport Assumption.
Wildcat head coach Kara Waldorf says her team is focused on the new season but admits last year has only fueled optimism for this season.

Fri
28
Aug

Numbers, optimism aplenty in Wildcat football camp


Humboldt’s senior class this season back to lead the Wildcats, front row (l-r): Jaxson Kirchhoff, Cooper Theesfeld, Nash Palmer, Weston Vik, Joe Constable and Noah Lange. Back row: Carter Reed, Broedy Hendricks, Cash McIntire, Levi Rieck, Griffin Groat and Karter Simonson.

Humboldt eyes return to state playoffs

By Phil Monson
There’s plenty of optimism in the Humboldt Wildcat football camp going into the new season.
Ninth-year head coach Derrick Elman and his squad are coming off a 4-5 finish in 2025, 2-3 in wide open Class 3A District 1.
Thanks to the return of a strong senior class of 12 players and a solid program with good numbers in grades 9-12, there’s reason to be optimistic.

Fri
28
Aug

HHS girls cross country team coming off NCC title, boys look to move up


Returning letterwinners for the Wildcat girls’ cross country team, from left: Kimberly Sanchez, Avery Fisher, Alexis Hotovec, Macey Rodgers and Aubry Fisher. Independent photo. To buy this photo and more, visit our photo gallery at www.humboldtnews.com.

Returning lettermen for the Humboldt boys’ cross country team, from left: Isaac Fowler, Miles Zeman and Henry Kramer. Independent photo.

JOEL HOOGLAND BEGINS 2ND SEASON AS HEAD COACH

By Phil Monson
Humboldt second-year cross country coach Joel Hoogland says his team’s work ethic makes coaching fun.
If that hard work translates into continued growth this season, Hoogland and his Wildcats should have plenty to be proud of when the season ends in another two months.

Fri
28
Aug

Strong contingent on FD swim team


Humboldt students who are members of the Fort Dodge High girls’ swim team this fall, front row (l-r): Embree Meyer, Norah Fisburn (from Clarion, is member of Humboldt’s summer team) and Adelyn Meyer. Back row: Ellen Townsend, Morgan Townsend, Danica Diedrick and Amelia Winter. Submitted photo.

Addie Meyer and Morgan Townsend, a pair of juniors from Humboldt, are starting their third seasons on the Fort Dodge High girls’ swim team.

This year on their daily commute to Fort Dodge, they will be accompanied by five more teammates. They’ll be joined by senior Danica Diedrick, ninth graders Amelia Winter and Nora Fisburn and eighth graders Ella Townsend and Embree Meyer.

“Morgan and Addie are providing good leadership this season. I think all of the out-of-town kids on our squad look up to those girls,” Head coach Ashley Beaumont said. “We have several girls from area communities who are contributing to our program.”

“Morgan and Addie have both stepped up this season and have improved their speed. They are swimmers whom we can count on to score points for us,” Beaumont said.

Thu
27
Aug

No. 2 Wildcats sweep Comets in opener

The No. 2 ranked Humboldt volleyball team opened its season at Charles City on Thursday night, Aug. 27, with a 3-0 sweep of the Comets. The Wildcats won by scores of 25-16, 26-14 and 25-10. It was also a North Central Conference opener for both teams.

Humboldt resumes play on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Humboldt Invitational Tournament.

Thu
27
Aug

The path forward; changes to our online article access

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your continued support of the Humboldt Newspapers throughout the years, since 1860 we have remained loyal to our mission of keeping news local and accessible for our readers. We have also continued to evolve with the industry as it has grown and changed, with the rise of the digital age we once again need to make that next step to keep bringing you the stories that matter.

Starting September 3, 2026 our featured articles published in the print version of the Humboldt Independent will now be available online through a subscription-only model. Public service and emergency notice stories will remain free.

Thu
27
Aug
Wed
26
Aug

Cordrays win Champion Showman, raise over 23K at Governor's Charity Steer Show


The Cordray Family at the 2026 Governor’s Charity Steer Show (l-r) Comet, Dr. Aubrey and Collins, Hayes and Kevin Cordray. Submitted photo.

Team Comet, Dr. Aubrey and Hayes Cordray, win Champion Showman, raise $23,000 for charity

By KYLIE PORTZ
Since 1983, the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been drawing crowds and raising funds for the Ronald McDonald house at the Iowa State Fair.

Founded in 1983 by then Governor Terry Branstad, the show has raised over $6 million in donations to benefit the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa in Iowa City, Des Moines and Sioux City. This year, the event raised a record-breaking over $572,000 for the organization.

The event is hosted by the Office of the Governor of Iowa, the Iowa Cattleman’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council and features 25 youth exhibitors and 25 local or state celebrity participants who each partner up to show the 25 sponsored steers in the ring.

Wed
26
Aug

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