Police in Fort Dodge early Wednesday morning were dispatched to Grand Daddy's Bar at 1104 Central Avenue. As officers arrived,the victim, 55 year old Daniel Habhab of Fort Dodge stated that he had closed the bar for the night when he heard a knock at the door. Habhab unlocked the door when two younger males walked in  and stood in the area of the front entry. Habhab told the men that the bar was closed. When he turned to open the door to let them out, Habhab was jumped from behind. Habhab was fighting with the suspects.He was struck several times. An undetermined amount of cash was taken from Habhab before they fled the scene on foot. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspects. Habhab received a cut to his arm during the incident but declined medical attention at the scene. Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Fort Dodge Police Department at 515-573-1426.

 Hamilton County saw an increase in its unemployment numbers for December. The Iowa Workforce Development office announced Tuesday that the rate for last month was at 5.3 percent up from the November rate of 4.4 percent. There were 6,330 people employed while 360 residents were unemployed. Iowa's unemployment rate for December stood at 4.1 percent down from the November figure of 4.3 percent. The unemployment rates for surrounding counties for December included Boone at 3 percent, Franklin at 3.6 percent,Hardin at 4.2 percent, Story at 2.7 percent, Webster at 5.1 percent and Wright at 3.8 percent.

 A free workshop entitled "Your Chance to Get Ahead" is set for Thursday evening,January 29 at 6:30 at the Hamilton County ISU Extension and Outreach office at 311 Bank Street. The workshop will offer practical and simple steps you can take to improve your lives when you receive your tax refund. Human Services Specialist Barb Wollan said the workshop will help those weigh the pros and cons of saving versus paying off debt, and will also address long term benefits, evaluating major purchases and the importance of children learning to save. Pre registration is required by January 28 by calling the Hamiton County Extension office at 515-832-9597.